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REV. JOSIAH COLEMAN KENT 



Northborougjh History 

By 

JOSIAH COLEMAN KENT 



With an Introduction by 
DR. JOSIAH M. STANLEY 




NEWTON, MASS. 

GARDEN CITY PRESS, Inc., PRINTERS 

1921 






Copyright, 1921 

By 

Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent 



©CU659538 



Illustrations Made By 

Suffolk Engraving & Electrotyping Co. 

cambridge 






-V^. J 



(I 



To the people of Northhorough among whom 
I have lived and labored for twenty-five years. 



INTRODUCTION 

It may very properly be said that this volume came into 
being as a result of the celebration of the one hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary of the Incorporation of the Town of North- 
borough, Mass., which was held August 16 and 17, 1916. 

The celebration, which presented many interesting and 
beautiful features — historical and otherwise — was a success 
in every particular, and called forth much favorable comment 
from the strangers within our gates. Soon it began to dawn 
upon the citizens of Northborough that they had staged some- 
thing worth while, and that the event should be suitably recorded 
in book form so as not to pass out of the mind of man. 

This sentiment had become so general that many prominent 
citizens of the town requested the Business Men's Comrnittee 
to bring the matter before the General Committee for considera- 
tion. Accordingly, at the final meeting of the Business Men's 
Committee, held October 9, 1916, a committee consisting of 
George A. Brigham, Herbert L. Kimball, and Clarence E.Buckley, 
was elected to draw up a set of resolutions recommending that 
the General Committee prepare a suitable record of the cele- 
bration for preservation and for distribution to the inhabitants 
of the town. These resolutions were presented to the General 
Committee at a meeting held October 25, 1916, and after a 
general discussion were acted upon as follows: viz. — 

"Moved and voted that a committee of three be elected to 
prepare and have printed, in suitable form, a history of the 
one hundred and fiftieth anniversary celebration, said corn- 
mittee to have full power to proceed in accordance with their 
best judgment to carry same to completion. 

"The following committee was elected: 
Dr. Josiah M. Stanley Rev. Josiah C. Kent 

Dr. John L. Coffin" 

At first thought it seemed a simple matter to collect the data 
and arrange them in proper form for publication. But when 
it was discovered that the history of the anniversary was really 
a history of the town — made so by the character and scope of 
Rev. J. C. Kent's address — the committee began to realize 
the magnitude of the task which they had been called upon 
to perform. Mr. Kent was the orator of the occasion, and his 
oration was a resume of Northborough's history, from the time 
of her earliest settler to the time of her anniversary. It was out 



VI INTRODUCTION 

of the question to reproduce suitably such a speech for publi- 
cation without writing the whole history of the town. This 
was a task which none had considered, and which was in- 
escapable if the wish of our citizens were to be carried out. 
Consequently, this committee authorized Mr. Kent to prepare 
whatever manuscript, in his best judgment, seemed necessary 
to meet the requirements of the General Committee. That 
the end justified the means is proven by the character of the 
author's production. 

This volume is not only a complete, interesting and accurate 
record of historical facts, but it is also a literary masterpiece. 
The author has spared neither time nor money to verify every 
statement. The records of the state, county, and neighboring 
towns have frequently been examined for this purpose. Tradi- 
tion has been treated as such, and has not been recorded as 
authentic history. 

Most local histories dispose of an event by a plain statement 
of fact; but in this the author has frequently allowed — by the 
introduction of suitable quotations — the people of the different 
periods to speak for themselves so that the reader may under- 
stand the ideals which actuated them in the settlement of 
important questions. 

For twenty-five years Mr. Kent has been a student of our 
local history, and he is probably better fitted to have been the 
historian of the town than any other person. 

The committee desires gratefully to acknowledge the assist- 
ance of Mr. Frank Fames, and Mr Gurdon Fisher in obtaining 
the illustrations used in this book. 

JosiAH M. Stanley, 
Chairman of Committee on Publication. 



FOREWORD 

In presenting this book to the public I make no claim for 
completeness. I have named it "Northborough History" 
rather than "The History of Northborough." The latter 
expression is a more comprehensive one, for it implies a complete 
account of the earliest years of the history of the town, including 
a statement of the town's topography, land grants, and genealogy. 
Instead of devoting much space to these matters (which have 
an interest for comparatively few readers) I have endeavored 
to answer the many questions of a more general interest which 
people interested in the town are constantly asking. And in 
following this plan I have gone into greater detail than local 
histories generally go into. In many instances, I have used the 
exact language of the records, frequently quoting reports in 
full. My purpose in doing this was to enshroud my readers 
in the atmosphere of the times in which the events occurred, 
that they might have a more sympathetic understanding of 
the spirit of the people who made the town's history. 

My own experience in reading town histories has been to 
exclaim, "I wish that the author had said just a little more." 
It is just that "little more" information that I have endeavored 
to give in these pages. I trust that I have not erred too much 
in that direction. 

JosiAH Coleman Kent. 

Northborough, Mass. 
May 14, 1921. 



CONTENTS 

Chapter ^*^^ 

Introduction X 

Foreword ^" 

I Early History J- 

II Indian Troubles J^ 

III The Northborough Meeting-house .... 14 

IV The Three Town Ministers 35 

V Northborough in the French and Indian Wars . 57 

VI Northborough in the Revolutionary War. . . 59 

VII The War of 1812 84 

VIII Early School History ^6 

V IX The Northborough High School 98 

/ X Private Schools JJJ 

1 XI The Unitarian Church 119 

iXH The First Baptist Church 129 

:ill The Evangelical Congregational Church ... 140 

.CIV St. Rose of Luna Church 153 

XV Early Industries of Northborough .... 156 
:VI How Northborough Handled the Temperance 

Question One Hundred Years Ago . . . 172 

XVII Mount Assabet 180 

XVIII The Old Town Hall 187 

XIX The Town Hall 193 

] XX Northborough's Attitude Toward Slavery . . 197 

XXI Northborough in the Civil War 209 

XXII Northborough in the Spanish-American War . 234 

XXIII Cemeteries 236 

XXIV The Gassett Fund 241 

I XXV The First Fire Engine 246 

XXVI The Railroad 249 

XXVII The Northborough Free Library 251 

XXVIII The Northborough National Bank .... 256 

XXIX Ministerial Courtesy and Propriety .... 272 

XXX Biography / • ' H^ 

XXXI Interesting Items from the Town Record . . 314 

XXXII Miscellaneous Items 318 

XXXIII Books Written by Northborough People ... 322 

XXXIV Northborough in the World War 331 

Celebration of One Hundred and Fiftieth Anm- 

4?7 

versary ^^' 

Appendix 513 

Town Officers 514 

Heads of Families 519 

Index 523 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Facing page 

Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent Frontispiece 

Main Street Through Center of Town 4 

The Colonel William Holloway House 4 

Mary Goodenow Monument 12 

Rev. Peter Whitney 40 

The Rev. Peter Whitney Parsonage 42 

Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D 48 

The Capt. Samuel Wood House — Later the Samuel Seaver 

House 62 

Old Stage Coach 62 

Grange Hall Since 1895 92 

The Hudson Street School 92 

The Unitarian Church 120 

The Baptist Church . 128 

The Evangelical Congregational Church 140 

The Catholic Church 152 

The Brigham Mill, Soon After 1700 158 

Northborough Town Hall 158 

Caleb T. Chapin 164 

David F. Wood 166 

Samuel Wood 170 

Soldiers' Monument 222 

Northborough's First Fire Engine 246 

Aqueduct Crossing the Assabet River at Woodside . . . 246 

Northborough Free Library 250 

Isaac Davis 252 

Miss Ellen Williams 254 

Northborough National Bank 256 

George C. Davis 258 

Abraham W. Seaver 262 

The Deacon Jonathan Livermore House 276 

The Dr. Ball Homestead — Now the Mrs. Sarah Searle 

House 276 

Governor John Davis 294 

Thomas W. Valentine 298 

Prof. John Minot Rice 300 

Edwin P. Seaver 304 

Prof. Samuel T. Maynard 306 

Capt. Cyrus Gale .310 

Cyrus Gale, Jr 312 

The Northborough Hotel 318 

Honor Roll 358 

War Medal 394 

The One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary Medal . . 436 



CHAPTER I 

EARLY HISTORY 

Old age is altogether a relative term. It depends upon 
where one is whether a thing be old or not. The writer recalls 
being in the city of Bangor, in Wales, a few years ago, and being 
shown through the Bangor cathedral by its verger. He was 
taken through the great building, and when he had seen it all 
(as he supposed), the verger said, "And now I will show you the 
new part." Over the entrance to "the new part" was an in- 
scription reading, "This part of the building was erected in 1564." 
To the people of Bangor a building erected in the sixteenth 
century is new. To us in America, such a building (if we had 
one) would be considered not only old, but very, very old. 

We are celebrating today the one hundred and fiftieth anni- 
versary of the incorporation of the town of Northborough. 
And to our way of thinking our town is reasonably old — for 
one hundred and fifty years carries us back to the eighteenth 
century, and to a full decade before the beginning of the Amer- 
ican Revolution — to the days "when we served under a king." 
We are naturally proud of our age and in no way do we seek to 
conceal it. On the contrary we have spread the fact broadcast; 
and not only that, but we, in addition, boldly proclaim that we 
are older than one hundred and fifty years, for we lived many 
years before we were given our present name. 

Northborough was formerly part of Westborough, and West- 
borough was incorporated in 1717. And Westborough in turn, 
was formerly part of Marlborough, whose incorporated existence 
dates back to 1660. 

Up to the settlement of Marlborough in 1656, Sudbury was 
the frontier town of the Massachusetts Bay Colony; and Sudbury 
was incorporated in 1638. With that venturesomeness, which 
in those early days knew no bounds, a few of the inhabitants of 
Sudbury had taken up their residence beyond the plantation 
limits in what is now Marlborough. And in that year, 1656, 
regarding themselves as sufficiently numerous to carry on a 
plantation of their own, sent the following petition to the 
General Court: 



2 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

'To the Hon. Governor, Dep. Governor, Magistrates and Depu- 
ties of the General Court now assembled in Boston: 

"The humble petition of several of the Inhabitants of Sud- 
bury, whose names are hereunder written, humbly sheweth; 
that whereas your petitioners have lived divers years in Sudbury, 
and God hath beene pleased to increase our children, which are 
now divers of them grown to man's estate, and wee, many of us, 
grown with years, so as that wee should bee glad to see them 
settled before the Lord take us away from hence, so also God 
having given us some considerable quantity of cattle, so that 
wee are so streightened that wee cannot so comfortably subsist 
as could bee desired; and some of us having taken some pains 
to view the country; wee have found a place which lyeth west- 
ward, about eight miles from Sudbury, which wee conceive 
might be comfortable for our subsistence: 

"It is therefore the humble request of your Petitioners to 
this Hon'd Court, that you would bee pleased to grant unto us 
(8) eight miles square, or so much land as may containe to 
eight miles square, for to make a plantation. 

"If it shall please this Hon'd Court to grant our petition, it 
is farther the request of your petitioners to this Hon'd Court, 
that you will bee pleased to appoint Mr. Thomas Danforth or 
Liesten Fisher to lay out the bounds of the plantation; and we 
shall satisfy those whom this Hon'd Court shall please to em- 
ploy in it. So apprehending this weighty occasion, wee shall 
no farther trouble this Hon'd Court, but shall ever pray for 
your happinesse. 

"Edmond Rice, Thomas King, 

John Howe, John Bent, Sr., 

William Ward, John Maynard, 

John W^oods, Edward Rice, 

Richard Newton, Peter Bent, 
John Ruddocke, Henry Rice, 

Thomas Goodenow." 

The Hon'd Court looked upon this petition with favor, and 
on May 14, 1656, granted the prayer of the petitioners; but on 
condition that "it hinder no former grant," and "that there bee 
a Towne settled with twenty or more families within three years, 
so as an able ministry may bee there maintained." 

The conditions were met, and the new plantation was long 
known as the "Marlborough Plantation." It covered a large 
territory, including what is now the city of Marlborough, and 
the towns of Southborough, Westborough, Northborough and 
Hudson. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 3 

The plantation grew from the start. And just as the ven- 
turesomeness of some of the people of Sudbury caused them to 
wander beyond the limits of that plantation, so the settlers of 
the new plantation soon began to spread themselves over its 
vast area. The main settlement of the new town, if settlement 
there were, was where the center of Marlborough now is, the 
Meeting-house standing on the site of the present high school 
building. But it was not long ere a numerous settlement had 
sprung up in the westerly part of the plantation, in the vicinity 
of Lake Chauncy, several miles from the main settlement. 
This new settlement had a steady growth of its own, and 
in fifty years or so, developed an ambition for townhood. 
Accordingly, they asked the General Court to make them into 
a town. And the General Court, being nothing loath, granted 
their request. Thus was the town of Westborough born, 
in 1717. 

Now this new town of Westborough likewise covered a wide 
area, and included what is now the town of Northborough. 
History has a way of repeating itself. It did in this case. For 
just as in the mother town, Marlborough, two settlements 
grew up in widely separated parts, so in the daughter, West- 
borough, exactly the same thing happened. The settlement 
around Lake Chauncy did not remain there very long, but 
migrated a couple of miles to what is now the center of West- 
borough. Here was a considerable settlement. But over in 
the north part the number of families were increasing, and in 
twenty-five years they formed a considerable settlement. They 
also were developing certain ambitions about that time. But 
in that they could not be blamed, for their mother had taught 
them the example. 

In 1744 there were thirty-seven families in the north part; 
and being situated at a distance of several miles from the main 
part of the town, they thought that they could get along much 
better if they should be permitted to manage their own affairs. 
So, remembering what the west part of Marlborough had done 
in 1717, they drew up a petition, went down to Boston, and 
presented it to the Great and General Court. This petition 
asked that the north part of Westborough be made into a 
"distinct and separate precinct" of the town. The petition was 
granted on October 20, 1744. 

The Council in recommending the granting of the prayer to 
the Legislature says, "We have heard the parties concerned and 
are Humbly of Opinion that it will very much conduce to the 
Peace and Comfort of sd Town that ye North Parte of said 
Town be made a distinct and Separate Precinct, etc." These 



4 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

words, perhaps, throw some light on the real conditions which 
existed between the two parts of the town. Touching this 
matter, Dr. Allen says, "Nor was the separation effected without 
much opposition, and mutual recrimination, the unhappy- 
effects of which lasted many years." 

It is not difficult to understand why this should be. There 
were only one hundred and twenty-five families in the whole 
town at that time, only thirty-seven of which were in the north 
part. The town extended over a wide territory, and the north 
part was five miles distant from the rest. What unpleasantness 
there was probably arose over the distribution of town offices. 
There had been murmurs of dissatisfaction for some time. 
We learn from the Westborough Records, that as far back as 
1734 (ten years before the separation took place), "two constables 
were chosen this year, one for the south part and one for the 
north part, James Ball being chosen for the north part." The 
next year, 1735, the same arrangement was carried out: "Nathan 
Ball was chosen constable for the north part. Had two this 
year as last." 

Both James and Nathan Ball lived on the top of Ball Hill, 
and it is difficult to understand how they could render any service 
as constables in an emergency. Their election was doubtless 
a sop to quiet the dissatisfaction of the settlement — "Merely 
this, and nothing more." During the next three years there 
were no constables in the north part. In 1739 and 1741, Seth 
Rice and Ephraim Allen were elected, but both declining to 
serve, were fined £5 each. 

Another possible reason for the dissatisfaction was the loca- 
tion of the Meeting-house; though in common justice it should 
be said that this building was located as conveniently for the 
residents of the north part as it was for those of the south part. 
The Meeting-house was located on the grounds of what is 
now the Lyman school, not far from the rear of the Administra- 
tion building. Distances, as a rule, did not count for much 
in those days. A mile or two, more or less, did not matter. 
But families were large; and we can easily understand that 
getting the children ready for "meeting" was no small chore, 
especially when there was a ride of from three to five miles 
ahead of them, as was the case in the present instance. Dis- 
tances then did count. There is one case on record of a woman 
with her children having to walk five miles to "meeting." Per- 
haps it was she who started the agitation for a Meeting-house 
of their own. 

But there might have been other reasons which made a 
separation necessary. Be that as it may, the separation took 




MAIN ST. THROUGH CENTER OF TOWN 
Looking East 




THE CUU).\EL WILLIAM H(.)LL*J\VAV HuL>E, BL ILL ABwl 1 1711 
The first Precinct Meeting was held in this house November 15, 1744 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 5 

place, and the north part became a precinct, "with all powers 
and privileges as other precincts," on October 20, 1744. 

Having gained the objects of their desire, steps were imme- 
diately taken for the perfecting of a government for the new 
precinct. Accordingly, all the inhabitants of the district were 
duly and legally warned to meet on the 15th day of November 
for that purpose. 

This first precinct meeting was held at the home of Colonel 
William Holloway, in the house now owned and occupied by 
Frederick A. King, on the Boylston Road in the west part of 
the town. This meeting was for purely organization purposes; 
and as it marks the beginning of our town government, we inscribe 
its proceedings: * 

"By vertue of a warrant from John Keys, Esq., for calling 
a Precinct meeting for the choice of Precinct Officers, the Inhabi- 
tants meet and proceeded and opened the meeting, by reading 
the warrant, then the (Order) of Courte which sett us off as a 
parish. 

"Voted, and chose Capt. James Eager, Moderator of this 
meeting. 

"Then proceeded to choice of a Committee for calling of 
Precinct meetings for the future. 

James Ball, Capt. James Eager, Lt. William Holloway, 
Matthias Rice, Jon^ Livermore, Committee. 

"Voted, and chose Jon^ Livermore for Precinct Clerk. 

"Voted, and chose Simeon Hayward, Collector for the ensuing 
parte of the year. 

"Voted, and chose Assessors for ye ensuing parte of the year, 
Jon^ Livermore, Thomas Goodenow, Thomas Billing. 

"Voted, and chose Bezaleel Eager, Treasurer for the ensuing 
parte of the year. 

"Voted, that Precinct meetings for the future should be 
warned by two notifications, posted up, one at Ephraim Allen's 
Mill & ye other at Bezaleel Eager's." 

We have stated above that there were thirty-seven families 
in the north precinct at the time of its separation from the mother 
town. We append their names, with the location of their 
homes. The list includes James Eager, Jr., and Paul Fay, two 
young men who were not married at the time, but who were 
married shortly afterwards. It will be seen that these families 
were widely scattered:! 

*Let me say just here, that our Town Records are full and complete, and are in an excel- 
lent state of preservation. 

tThe author is indebted to Oilman B. Howe for this list of names. Mr. Howe has made 
a very careful study of the early families of Northborough. 



6 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

HEADS OF FAMILIES IN 1744 

Ephraim Allen, lived near Woodside. 

James Ball, lived on Ball Hill, where Mrs. Josie Richardson 
now lives. 

Nathan Ball, lived on Ball Hill, where Joseph W. Seaton 
now lives. 

Jothan Bartlett, lived on the Marlboro Road, where Mrs. 
Lizzie A. Balcom now lives. 

Thomas Billings, lived in the west part of the town. 

Josiah Bowker, lived in the west part of the town. 

Jesse Brigham, lived in the east part of the town, where 
Charles L. Brigham now lives. 

John Carruth, lived on the farm now owned by George A. 
Brigham. 

William Carruth, lived on the farm now owned by Thornton 
E. Mentzer. 

Captain James Eager, lived on the Worcester Road, where 
Ralph T. Fiske now lives. 

James Eager, Jr., (son of above) lived with his father. 

Bezaleel Eager, lived on the Worcester Road, on the farm now 
owned by Charles A. Davis. 

Gershom Fay, lived on the farm now owned by Chandler 
Rice. 

Timothy Fay, lived on the farm now owned by Walter O. 
Allen. 

Silas Fay, brother of Timothy, lived on the same farm. 

Paul Fay, brother of Timothy. 

Samuel Gamwell, lived in the north part of the town, where 
Mrs. George H. Murray now lives. 

Thomas Goodenow, lived where Theodore Woodward now 
lives. 

Jonathan Goodenow, brother of above, lived in east part of 
town. 

Jonathan Green, probably lived in the west part of the town. 

Cornet Simeon Hay ward, lived on the farm now owned by 
Clarence E. Buckley. 

Seth Hudson, little uncertain as to his living here in 1744, 
but he did a little later. He lived beyond Chapinville, near the 
Barnard place. 

Deacon Jonathan Livermore, lived on Ball Hill, where Chester 
Smith now lives. 

John McAllister, lived on the Marshall Maynard place. 

John McAllister, Jr., probably lived with his father. 

Nathaniel Oak (sometimes Oakes), lived on Whitney Street, 
where Miss Ada A. McClure now lives. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 7 

John Oak (brother of above), lived on the back road to 
Shrewsbury, on the farm now owned by John F. Davis. 

George Oak (brother of above), Hved on the estate now owned 
by Alfred Thomas. 

Jacob Rice, lived on the Westborough Road, where Mr. 
Jenness now lives. 

Silas Rice, lived on Ball Hill, where Ralph Stearns now 
lives. 

Deacon Matthias Rice, lived in the east part of the town, 
where Daniel R. Pember now lives. 

Pelatiah Rice, lived beyond Chapinville, directly opposite 
Seymour Laporte's house. 

George Smith, it is not known where he lived. 

Deacon Isaac Tomlin, lived on Tomlin Hill. 

Hezikiah Tomlin (son of Isaac), lived on Tomlin Hill. 

Joshua Townsend, lived where Mrs. Lucy Wilson now lives. 

Thomas Warren, lived where Hermon L. Sparrow now lives. 

Joseph Wheeler, lived on south side of Ball Hill. 

Lieutenant William Holloway, lived in the west part of the 
town, where Frederick A. King now lives. 

It must not be supposed that the creation of the north 
part of the town into a precinct made of that precinct a complete 
political entity. Such was not the case. The north precinct 
was, politically, still part of Westborough, and its inhabitants 
continued to exercise their rights as citizens of that town. They 
received their proportion of the appropriations for all necessary 
charges of the precinct. The schoolmaster was still in the 
employ of the mother town, and the north precinct was, as of 
old, one of the "three districts" in which he labored. The 
precinct records do not show any appropriations for schools, 
highways, or any other public improvement. The precinct was 
free to elect its own officers and to manage its own ecclesiastical 
affairs; and that seems to have been the only advantage which 
its new dignity conferred upon it. And all items in the precinct 
records relate to these two matters. But this privilege was 
something, and it was guarded very zealously. It was the 
entering wedge for something larger and better. 

The precinct could not forget that it was still tied to its 
mother's apron strings; and the knowledge of this fact was 
irksome. They wanted to be independent — entirely free and 
independent. And we may well believe that they cultivated 
that ambition assiduously. 

At last the time seemed ripe for the fulfilment of their 
ambition. So, drawing up a petition, they again went down to 
Boston and presented it to the Great and General Court. And 



8 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

for a second time the Great and General Court lent them a 
willing ear, and granted their request. 

As that welcome act of the Legislature marks the beginning 
of the full-fledged town of Northborough, and is the event 
whose one hundred and fiftieth anniversary we are celebrating 
at this time, it seems appropriate to record it here: 

"Act of Incorporation" 

"An act for erecting the north precinct in the Town of West- 
borough, in the County of Worcester, into a separate district 
by the name of Northborough. 

"Whereas the inhabitants of the north precinct in West- 
borough, in the county of Worcester, labour under many and 
great difficulties by reason of their not being a distinct and 
separate district; therefore, 

''Be it enacted by the Governor, Council and House of Represen- 
tatives, 

"Section 1. That the north precinct in Westborough, in the 
county of Worcester, according to its present known bounds, be 
and hereby is erected into a district by the name of North- 
borough; and that the said district be and hereby is invested 
with all the privileges, powers and immunities that towns in 
this province, by law, do or may enjoy, that of sending a repre- 
sentative to the general assembly excepted; and that the inhabi- 
tants of the said district shall have full power, from time to time, 
to join, with the town of Westborough, in the choice of a repre- 
sentative or representatives, which representatives may be 
chosen indifferently from said town or district; and that the 
Selectmen of the town of Westborough, as often as they shall 
call a meeting for the choice of a representative, shall give sea- 
sonable notice to the clerk of said district for the time being, 
of the time and place of said meeting, to the end that the said 
district may join them therein; and the clerk of said district 
shall set up, in some public place in the said district, a notifi- 
cation thereof, accordingly; and the pay and allowance of said 
representative to be borne by said town and district. 

"And he it further enacted, 

"Sect. 2. That the said district shall pay their proportion of 
all town, county and province taxes already set on, or granted 
to be raised by, said town, as if this act had not been made. 

"Provided, nevertheless, 

"Sect. 3. That the inhabitants of the said district shall 
retain and enjoy the same right and share to all the ministerial 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 9 

lands, and the improvement and profits thereof, as they would 
have had if this act had not been made. 

"Provided also, and be it further enacted, 

''Sect. 4. That of all the monies, arms and ammunition, 
weights and measures,* belonging to said town, the inhabitants 
of the said district shall have and enjoy a proportion thereof, 
equal to the proportion they paid of the charges of said town, 
according to their last town tax. 

"And be it further enacted, 

"Sect. 5. That Francis Whipple, Esq., be and hereby is 
empowered to issue a warrant, directed to some principal inhab- 
itant of said district, requiring him to warn the inhabitants of 
the said district, qualified, by law, to vote in town affairs, to 
meet at such time and place as shall be therein set forth, to 
choose all such officers as shall be necessary to manage the 
affairs of said district." 

The above Act of Incorporation was passed on January 24, 
1766. The exception voted in Section 1, relative to sending a 
representative to the General Court, was nullified in an omnibus 
bill passed on August 23, 1775. Since which date Northborough 
has been a town in the fullest sense of the word. 



*See Weights and Measures. 



CHAPTER II 

INDIAN TROUBLES 

Northborough was particularly fortunate in the early days 
so far as Indian troubles were concerned. There is a tradition 
to the effect that John Brigham's house (it was probably little 
better than a hut) was burned by Indians in the latter days of 
the seventeenth century. But as its owner had permanently 
deserted it a day or two before, the incident can hardly be re- 
garded as an "Indian trouble." John Brigham was the first 
settler of Northborough, and his house stood on what is now 
the Eli Sanderson place, on Church Street. 

There was one episode, however, which forms an interesting 
chapter of the town's history — the killing of Mary Goodenow 
in 1707. In August, 1907, two hundred years afterwards, the 
Northborough Historical Society held a service in the town hall 
in commemoration of that event. After the service in the hall 
the people repaired to the site of the garrison house (the scene 
of the episode), on the Marlborough Road, where a bronze 
tablet was unveiled. 

Rev. Charles S. Pease, the then pastor of the Northborough 
Baptist Church, and one of the founders of the Historical 
Society, delivered the address on that occasion. Mr. Pease's 
address was a comprehensive review of the entire Indian situa- 
tion in New England in those troublesome days. His recital 
of the Mary Goodenow affair was such a thorough and pains- 
taking effort that the author asked him to permit its reproduc- 
tion here, that it might be made available in permanent form. 
He readily consented to the request, and the author here makes 
grateful acknowledgment to him. Mr. Pease said: 

"Our interest on this occasion centers in one of the old garrison 
houses. It was the scene of Northborough's first — and fortu- 
nately, her only — Indian attack. 

"In the year 1707 there appears to have been only four 
families settled within the boundaries of what is now North- 
borough. They were Samuel Goodenow, Gershom Fay, Na- 
thaniel Oakes and Jonathan Forbush. Jonathan Forbush, as 
nearly as can be ascertained, lived in the neighborhood of 
Little Chauncy pond. Nathaniel Oakes was located where the 
Peter Whitney house now stands. Gershom Fay lived on a 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 11 

farm owned at the time by his wife's father, John Brigham, now 
the home of Mr. Theodore Woodward. 

"Samuel Goodenow, whose house became the garrison for 
this group, lived just west of Stirrup Brook on the south side of 
the new Connecticut Road, now the state highway, connecting 
Northborough with Marlborough. The old house long since 
disappeared. It probably went rapidly to decay after its last 
occupant. Widow Sarah Goodenow, in 1727, went to live with 
her son, Thomas, on the farm which her husband had purchased 
of Gershom Fay, now owned by Mr. Theodore Woodward. 
[Middlesex Co., Record of Probate, 6534]. 

"The location of the garrison house is fixed for us, approxi- 
mately, by a description given in the will of Samuel Goodenow, 
the original owner, where it states that the house stood on the 
west side of the brook, [Middlesex Co. Record of Probate, 
6535]. Traditions, gathered nearly one hundred years ago by 
such reliable authorities as Dr. Joseph Allen, the early historian 
of this town, and Mr. Gill Valentine, its surveyor, point definitely 
to a knoll a few rods west of the brook and south of the highway. 
Traces of old cart roads may still be seen leading to this location. 
Had Mr. Goodenow foreseen the necessity of a stockade, he 
possibly would have built a little nearer to his water supply. 
But for a farmhouse the location was exactly what would be 
desired in those early days — a dry, firm foundation, with the 
precious meadow-land all around, and an unfailing brook not 
far away. In the year 1707 this house, securely protected by a 
palisade, was occupied by Samuel Goodenow and his son, 
Samuel Goodenow, Jr. The wife of Goodenow, Sr., was not 
living. His son had married Sarah, a daughter of John Brigham, 
and they had two small children at this time. Mary Goodenow, 
an unmarried daughter, thirty-four years of age, also lived at 
home. 

"As already stated, three other families were assigned to 
this garrison for protection. We do not know whether Nathaniel 
Oakes or Jonathan Forbush ever availed themselves of this 
privilege or not. If they remained on their farms they for- 
tunately escaped harm. 

"Gershom Fay, whose wife was a younger sister of the wife 
of Samuel Goodenow, Jr., appears to have transferred his family 
to the security of the garrison. There certainly was need for 
caution. In the Massachusetts Archives [vol. 2, page 445] 
may be seen a letter under date of August 11, 1707, from Col. 
Peter Schuyler of Albany, the faithful sentinel for the English 
settlements, stating that his scouts had informed him that a 
party of French Indians were preparing for a raid upon New 



12 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

England. The letter was sent in haste by special messenger to 
Col. Samuel Partridge, of Hatfield. But with the limited means 
of communication at that time it is doubtful whether the news 
could have been very widely circulated. The blow which Col. 
Schuyler predicted fell upon this locality. It was on the 18th 
of August, 1707, by the 'Old Style' of reckoning time; or as 
we would now record it, by the Gregorian calendar, on the 
29th of August, — just two hundred years ago today. 

"Mr. Daniel Howe of Marlborough was working in an out- 
lying meadow, now overflowed by the Millham reservoir. With 
him was his hired man, Mr. Jonathan Wilder of Lancaster, a 
son of Leiut. Nathaniel Wilder, who was killed by Indians 
in an assault upon Lancaster, in 1704. These two men were 
surprised at their work by a party of twenty-four Indians who 
quickly overpowered them and bound their arms with green 
withes. Each was placed in charge of one Indian. These 
guards, according to Indian custom, separated the captives to 
prevent their communication with each other, and awaited the 
return of their companions. Mr. Howe, lying upon his back 
with hands concealed, managed to free himself from his bonds; 
and then, watching for a favorable opportunity, possessed 
himself of the Indian's gun. The tables being thus turned, the 
Indian made haste to effect his escape from Mr. Howe; but 
only to pay the penalty for his lack of vigilance, with his life, 
at the hands of his savage allies. [Tradition in the Howe family.] 

"Meanwhile, the main party proceeded stealthily toward 
the home of Samuel Goodenow. Miss Mary Goodenow and 
Mrs. Gershom Fay were in the adjoining meadow gathering 
herbs. As the savages emerged from the woods, the women saw 
them, and fled as fast as they were able for the protection of the 
garrison. Miss Goodenow, unfortunately, was lame, and was 
overtaken. Mrs. Fay barely reached the gate, yet succeeded 
in closing it in the face of her pursuers. The Indians made a 
furious onslaught but could not break down the strong posts 
of the palisade. There was only one man in the garrison at 
the time (the other men being at work in a distant field). But 
by prompt use of the muskets (kept for defense) which Mrs. 
Fay reloaded as fast as used, he was able to keep up a constant 
fire upon the enemy. This held them back till a party of 
neighboring farmers came to their relief, aroused some by the 
sound of the firing and some by the activity of Mr. Howe, who, 
upon regaining his liberty, had made haste to spread the alarm. 
No mention is made of Mrs. Fay's sister, Mrs. Sarah Goodenow, 
but she must have been present and most likely assisted also 
in the reloading the muskets. Both sisters became widows 




MARY GOODENOW MONUMENT 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 13 

early in life, and left abundant evidence of their courage and 
enterprise, which they may have inherited from their father, 
the pioneer, John Brigham. At this time each was the mother 
of two small children whose presence must have spurred them 
to the utmost endeavor. But the early historians make special 
mention of the bravery of Mrs. Gershom Fay. 

"The Indians, giving up the assault at the approach of re- 
enforcements, retreated across Stirrup Brook to a wooded ridge 
on the east side, taking with them the unfortunate captive, 
Mary Goodenow. Here they killed and scalped her with the 
pitiless ferocity of Indians when pursued. The other captive, 
Jonathan Wilder, taken earlier in the day, shared the same fate 
on the morrow, when Captain Thomas Howe, of Marlborough, 
with about thirty men from Marlborough and Lancaster, over- 
took the enemy in the northwest part of Sterling, at a place 
since known by the name of the 'Indian Fight.' 

"After a severe conflict, the Indians fled, leaving nine dead 
on the field. Two of the settlers, besides the captive, were 
killed. In one of the packs left behind, was found the scalp of 
Miss Goodenow. This was the first information obtained 
regarding her fate. Search was made along the tr^il of the 
savages, till her mangled body was found. There is a tradition 
that, owing to this delay in the heat of summer, the body had 
become so decomposed that no attempt was made to remove 
it. It was buried where it lay, in the shade of the forest — a 
spot still lonely and wild, yet beautiful in its woodland seclusion. 
This land, then owned by the father of Miss Goodenow, was 
purchased about twenty years later, by Mr. Daniel Bartlett, 
and continued in the Bartlett family for upwards of one hundred 
and sixty years, passing from father to son, who reverently 
marked and protected the grave. 

"In 1889 the town of Northborough empowered by a special 
act of the Legislature, erected a substantial and suitable monu- 
ment. The same year, Mr. and Mrs. William Bartlett con- 
veyed by deed, for the nominal sum of one dollar, a perpetual 
right of way from the road to the monument 'for the use of the 
inhabitants of Northborough and the general public' The 
monument bears the following inscription: 'In Memory of Mary 
Goodenow, who was killed by Indians on this spot, August 18, 
1707. Erected by the town of Northborough, 1889.' 

"As already explained, the difference between the 'old' and 
'new style' in reckoning time brings the anniversary on the 
29th of August instead of the 18th. And today we reverently 
pay our tribute to this tragic event of two hundred years ago." 



CHAPTER III 

THE NORTHBOROUGH MEETING-HOUSE 

The north precinct was estabHshed by an act of the Legis- 
lature, October 20, 1744. We have stated in another place, 
that perhaps one of the compelling reasons for the establishment 
of the precinct was a desire for a more conveniently located 
Meeting-house. (The Meeting-house was located on the 
grounds of the Lyman School.) Certain it is, that one of the 
first things the new precinct did was to take measures toward 
building a Meeting-house of their own. This was done at a 
meeting held December 31, when it was voted to build a Meeting- 
house, and an appropriation of £50 was made for that purpose. 

But where to locate it was a question not so easy to decide. 
In fact, the inhabitants of the precinct could not agree upon 
this matter. Some wanted it in one place and some in another. 
And what might have proved a very serious rock of contention 
was averted by one of those happy inspirations which now and 
then come to serious-minded people in their difficulties. They 
decided to put it out to arbitration. They accordingly invited 
Captain Daniel Heywood, of Worcester, Captain Thomas Hap- 
good, of Shrewsbury, and Captain John Haynes, of Sudbury, 
to select a site for them. Those men came to the precinct at an 
appointed time, looked the ground over, and finally decided 
upon the present site, a few feet west of the present church. 
That those men had an eye for natural beauty cannot be gain- 
said, for a more beautifully located church it would be diffi- 
cult to find. It must not be supposed, however, that the situa- 
tion was as beautiful then as it is now; for the beautiful meadow 
in front was a swamp at that time, while the surrounding terri- 
tory was mostly woodland. 

It must be remembered, too, that there was no village in 
the precinct at that time. The forty families that composed 
the precinct were widely scattered over a large territory; and 
when the Meeting-house was built there were only four houses 
within gun-shot of it — that of Jacob Rice, in the vicinity of 
Grange Hall; that of Captain James Eager, on the Worcester 
Road, where Ralph T. Fiske's house now stands; that of Simeon 
Howard, on Boylston Street, near Eli Sanderson's house; and 
that of Nathaniel Oakes, on W^hitney Street, where Miss Ada 
A. McClure's house now stands. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 15 

The site determined upon was owned by Captain James 
Eager, who very generously gave the land to the precinct "for 
& in consideration of Love, Good-will & Respect which I have 
towards the promoting the worship of God in ye North Precinct 
of sdTown & ye building a hous to his Grate name." 

The Meeting-house was raised Tuesday, April 30, 1745, 
but it was not finished until several years afterwards. It was 
forty-six by thirty-six feet in dimensions; and when, in May, 
1746, the church was organized and its first minister was or- 
dained, it was "without pulpit, or galleries, or pews, or even 
permanent floors, and was lighted only by openings in the 
unplastered walls." 

Fortunately, an interesting account of the "raising" has 
been preserved. Mr. Parkman of Westborough, busy as he 
was with his clerical duties and his farming, found time to keep 
a diary. He records that he had been informed by John Oak, 
that his aunt, Mrs. Holloway, was desirous that he should 
come over to the precinct on the day of the raising of the Meeting- 
house "to pray with them." Also, that he should be there 
"by eight o'clock in the morning." He told the young man 
that he was in some difficulty about a horse. The morning of 
the great day was rainy, and Mr. Parkman's hired man, Thomas, 
refused to go in the wet. But the rain did not dampen the 
ardor of those who had set their hearts upon the great event. 
Deacon Newton drove his ox-cart over to Mr. Parkman's early 
in the morning with a "hoggeshead for lime," and he probably 
influenced Mr. Parkman to bestir himself to find a way out of 
his difficulty. The deacon succeeded and Mr. Parkman 
went to the "raising." How he went, let Mr. Parkman tell in 
his own words: 

"Nobody from the north side to bring me a horse or accom- 
pany me over. Nor any one person of ye multitude who passed 
by my house from the South so much as called to see whether I 
were to go or could go or no. ... I rode over to the north side 
on my own mare. ... I found Mr. Gushing (of Shrewsbury) 
and Mr. Morse (of Boylston), then afterwards came Mr. Martyn, 
and Mr. Goss (of Bolton). 

"The raising began about 10 a.m., and was finished about 
4 P.M. The raising concluded without hurt through the great 
mercy & goodness of God. To Him be glory. At their request, 
I prayed after the work was finished, and we sang Ps. 127, first 
stanza, and Ps. 125, first half stanza, and Ps. 128. The enter- 
tainment was in the Frame, and the people brought their pro- 
visions in great plenty." 



16 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Mr. Parkman says nothing about "liquid" refreshment; but 
the precinct record supplies that item: "Allowed Jothan 
Bartlett 2£ 10s. for 2 bbls. of cider for the raising." 

The house was framed by Daniel Hemenway, of Worcester, 
a well-known builder of that time. He built the second Old 
South Meeting-house, in Worcester, in 1763, and the Second 
Meeting-house, in Shrewsbury, in 1766. 

Those were indeed "the days of small things." How small, 
the reader may judge from the following votes taken from the 
precinct records: 

"Dec. 31st, 1744. Voted, to build a meeting-house. 

'^ Voted, that the meeting-house should be set on the most 
convenient spot on a corner of land between the road coming 
from Nathaniel Oaks', and the road coming down from Ben- 
jamin Lull's, and leading down to Cold Harbour Bridge. 

"Voted, that the meeting-house should be forty-six feet in 
length, and thirty-six feet wide, and twenty feet post. 

"Voted, and granted the sum of fifty pounds lawful money 
($166.66), to be paid in money, labor, or timber for building the 
meeting house. 

"April 26th, 1745. Voted, to raise the meeting-house on 
Tuesday next, to begin at nine o'clock in the morning. 

"Voted, that every man should provide according as he was 
spirited. 

"August 26th, 1745. Voted, and allowed six shillings (twenty- 
five cents) for scoring timber, and six shillings and six pence 
(twenty-seven cents) for hewing, and eight shillings (thirty- 
three cents), per day, for framing, boarding, and shingling. 

"November 17th, 1746. Put to vote to see if they would 
lay the meeting-house floor. Passed in the negative. 

"Put to vote to see if the precinct would glaze the meeting- 
house forthwith, or as soon as glass can be provided. Passed 
in the negative. 

"December 29th, 1746. Voted, and allowed to Lieutenant 
W^illiam Holloway, for entertaining the council at the ordination, 
£40, 16s. 

"June 8, 1747. It was put to vote to see if they would build 
the pulpit. Past in the negative. 

"Voted, and granted the sum of £150, old tenor, for glazing 
and finishing the meeting-house. 

"September 4th, 1747. Voted, to build the pulpit, the 
deacon's seat and the minister's pue. 

"January 30th, 1748. It was put to vote to see if the pre- 
cinct will have as many pues as can be built by the walls of 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 17 

the meeting-house with conveniency, and fouer more in the hind 
part of the body of seats. Past in the aflfirmative. 

"The precinct voted to build the body of seats in the meet- 
ing-house by the last day of May. 

"September 4th, 1749. It was put to vote to see if the 
precinct would build the gallery stayers and lay the gallery 
floors, and build thebrest work of the gallery by the last of next 
October, come twelve months. Past in the afhrmative. 

"It was put to vote to see if the precinct will grant the pue 
ground in the meeting-house to those who have paid most on 
real and personal estate, and one poll only, to what hath been 
already don to the meeting-house, they building them by the 
last of next October, come twelve months, or forfeit the ground 
to the precinct's use again. Past in the affirmative." 

In accordance with provisions of the last-named vote the 
"pue ground" was surveyed and an allotment of pues was made. 
But the meeting-house was not finished at the time and the 
allotment did not hold good. In fact, the building was not 
completed until 1756; but in 1752 it was so far advanced that a 
new and final allotment was made, as will be seen by the follow- 
ing votes, passed on April 13, of that year. 

ALLOTMENT OF PEWS 

"It was put to vote to see if there should be twenty Pues in 
the Meeting-house (viz.) sixteen round by the walls of the House, 
and foure more in the Hinde part of the body of seats. It 
passed in the affirmative. 

"It was put to vote to see if the Precinct would grant the 
Pue ground in the Meeting-house to the Highest payers in Real 
and personal estate and one pole only of the freeholders and 
Inhabitants of this precinct, the First highest payer to have the 
first choice, the second highest payer the Second choice, and 
so on by succession till the whole Pue ground in sd Meeting- 
house is taken up. It was passed in the afiirmative. 

"It was put to vote to see if that any person or persons shall 
neglect or refuse to make his choice of his Pue ground, then the 
next highest payer within the number of Pues granted should 
make his choice. It was passed in the afifirmative." 

To put these votes into effect Ensign Josiah Rice, Lieutenant 
William Holloway, Timothy Fay, Samuel Wood, and Thomas 
Goodenow were appointed a committee "to find the highest 
taxpayers and measure and lay out the Pue ground in the 
Meeting-house." 



18 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



This committee reported on August 15, that they had "ex- 
amined the several lists of Rates made in said precinct for 
several years last past, and find that the highest payers in real 
and personal estate and one poll only, are as they stand in 
the following list." 







£ 


s. 


d. 




£ 


s. 


d. 


1 


Lt. William Holloway 


163 


4 


11 










2 


Capt. James Eager 


126 


19 












3 


James Ball 


105 


16 


8 










4 


Samuel Gamwell 


98 


6 


3 










5 


Cornet Simeon Haywood 


96 


9 


5 










6 


Pelatiah Rice 


94 


18 


7 










7 


Dea. Matthias Rice 


93 


7 


6 










8 


Nathan Ball 


92 


9 


5 










9 


Jacob Rice 


88 


6 


7 










10 


Timothy Fay 


87 


5 


3 










11 


Ensign Josiah Rice 


86 


10 


6 










12 


Jothan Bartlett 


85 


12 


1 










13 


Josiah Bowker 


85 


8 


5 










14 


Lt. Bezaleel Eager 


84 





9 










15 


Jesse Brigham 


82 


8 


1 










16 


Gershom Fay 


75 


6 


7 


And that part which his son, 
Gershom Fay, Jr. hath paid 
on his estate brings him to the 
18th choice 


2 





8 


17 


Samuel Allen 


74 


11 


1 


And that part which his honored 
father, Ephraim Allen hath 
paid on his estate excluding 
his pole, which if allowed by 
the precinct to the said Sam- 
uel will bring him to the 8th 
choice 


18 


6 





18 


Thomas Billing 


72 


11 


10 










19 


James Eager Jr. 


70 


16 


4 


And also one third part of what 
his honored father, Joseph 
Wheeler, deceased hath paid 
excluding his pole, which if al- 
lowed by the precinct to the 
said James, will bring him to 
the 17th choice 


9 


1 


1 


20 


John McAllister 


70 


9 


11 










21 


Dea. Jonathan Livermore 


66 


1 


7 










22 


Thomas Goodenow 


62 
















23 


Seth Hudson 


60 
















24 


John Oak 


54 


14 


5 










25 


George Oak 


53 


3 


1 










26 


Seth Rice 


52 


10 


9 


And also that part which Elijah 
Rice hath paid on his estate 
including his pole, which if 
allowed by the precinct to the 
said Seth will bring him to the 
19th choice. 


23 


5 


5 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 19 

We have recorded this report in full because it is interesting, 
not only as showing the ancient way of allotting pew ground in 
the Meeting-house, but as being what might be called the 
assessors' first valuation book of the town. As a valuation book 
it is doubtless incomplete ; but as a list of the highest tax payers 
it is a very careful record. 

The report of the committee was highly satsifactory and the 
highest taxpayers were then and there called upon to make 
choice of their pew ground, which they did as follows: 

"1. Lt. William Holloway chose the first pue ground by the 
wall on the East side of the South Dore. 2. Capt. James Eager 
Chose the Pue Ground on the Hind Part of the Body of Seats 
on the Men's Side & next the middle Alley. 3. James Ball 
Chose the Pue Ground In the hinde Part of the Body of Seats 
on the wimmin's side next the Middle Alley. 4. Samuel Gam- 
well Chose the Second Pue Ground by the Wall on the north side 
of West Dore. 5. Cornet Simeon Hayward Chose the second 
Pue Ground by the Wall on the East Side of the Pulpit. 6, 
Pelatiah Rice Chose the Pue Ground by the Wall next the 
Pulpit on the East Side. 7. Dea. Matthias Rice Chose the 
Second Pue Ground by the Wall on the North Side of the East 
Dore. 8. Samuel Allen Chose the Pue Ground in the North 
East Corner of the Meeting-house. 9. Nathan Ball Chose the 
Pue Ground behind the wimmin's Seats next to the East Alley. 
10. Jacob Rice Chose the Pue Ground behind the Men's Seats 
next to the west alley. 11. Timothy Fay Chose the Pue Ground 
In the Northwest Corner of the Meeting-house." 

At this point the meeting adjourned. The "choosing" was 
continued, however, on March 8, 1753, as follows: 

"12. Ensign Josiah Rice Chose the Pue Ground on the 
South Side of the East Dore next to the wimmin's stairs. 13. 
Jothan Bartlett Chose the first Pue Ground on the West Side of 
the South Dore. 14. Lt. Josiah Bowker Chose the Pue Ground 
by ye West Dore next to the Men's Stairs. 15. Capt. Bezaleel 
Eager Chose the Second Pue Ground on the East Side of the 
South Dore. 16. Jesse Brigham Chose the first Pue Ground 
on the North Side of the East Dore. 17. James Eager, Jr. 
Chose the Second Pue Ground on the West Side the South Dore. 
18. Gershom Fay Chose the first Pue Ground on the North Side 
of the West Dore. 19. Seth Rice Chose the third Pue Ground 
on the East Side the South Dore next to the wimmin's Stairs. 
20. Thomas Billing Chose the third Pue Ground on the West 
Side of the South Dore next to the Men's Stairs. 

The above "choosing" throws an interesting sidelight on a 
social custom of that early time. It would appear that the men 



20 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

sat on one side and the "wimmin" on the other side of the 
Meeting-house. 

It must be borne in mind that it was only the "pue ground" 
that was disposed of in the above arrangement. The pews 
themselves were built and were owned by the individuals to 
whom the "ground" was assigned. The pews in many of our 
older churches even today are the personal property of indi- 
viduals, and the Church Organization has little or no jurisdiction 
over them. A great deal of inconvenience has accrued to many 
churches where this custom prevails. In the Northborough 
Meeting-house it no longer prevails, however. One after 
another, the pew owners have either given or sold their pews to 
the church, and the church therefore owns them all. 

WHO SHALL BE THE MINISTER? 

The act of the Great and General Court making the north 
part of Westborough a precinct, after defining the bounds of 
the precinct, says, "provided the Inhabitants of ye North Parte 
of sd town give security to the Revd. Mr. Parkman, there 
present pastor, to give him one hundred pounds lawful! money 
settlement & fifty pounds like money per annum in case he should 
incline to settle with them agreeable to what they now promise, 
or otherwise Twelve pounds ten shillings like money, if he chooses 
to continue in the South parte." 

It would seem from the above proviso that the petitioners 
had promised to invite the Rev. Ebenezer Parkman, the then 
minister of Westborough, to become the minister of the proposed 
new parish. 

It appears also from the precinct records (December 4, 1744) 
that the precinct was ready to fulfil the promise of the peti- 
tioners; for on that date a committee was appointed "to Treate 
with the Rev. Ebenezer Parkman to see if he will tack up with 
the offer of the precinct as it is sett forth in ye act of Courte 
which has divided the Town into Two Precincts and come to be 
our minister, or whether he will stay in the first Precinct and 
Tack the Twelve pounds, Ten Shillings ordered the petitioners 
to pay and to give security for sd money agreeable to sd act." 

The committee reported the following February (February 21) 
that "we have accordingly applied ourselves to ye Rev. Mr. 
Parkman and he hath chose to Tack the Twelve pound Ten 
Shillings, and we have accordingly given bond to ye sd Mr. 
Parkman of £12. 10s. to be paid by the first Day of May Nexte 
in sewing, and have Received his Determinate Answer to us." 

The committee then read Mr, Parkman's "Determinate 
Answer," and their report was accepted as final. 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 21 

MR. PARKMAN DECLINES 

"Dear Brethren and Beloved in Jesus Christ: 

"After looking up to God for direction I have taken your 
message to me into serious consideration, wherein you would see 
whether I would accept of ye offer of your Precinct as it is set 
forth in the act of ye General Court which divided the town into 
two Precincts, and to be your minister. The town also to 
whome I was under previous obligation, and this South Precinct 
have now had their meeting. Upon which, I have drawn up 
the following determinate answer to you. In which I heartily 
thank you for ye regard and affection which you have manifested 
to me. But in-as-much as the main body of this people have 
requested my continuance with them, and when they met as a 
Precinct, manifested their desire by a vote of all the voters that 
were present: And so unanimous a vote being followed with 
several others in which they would take upon (as much as in 
them lay) the obligation which the town has been under to me, 
and making provision for my support, which having been thus 
done, I hereupon find myself unable at present to forsake them, 
or renounce my pastoral relations to them and care of them. 

"And if, dear brethren, this my denial of your request should 
at all seem grevious to any of you, you may reasonably consider 
that I never left you, nor have been in any wise the means or 
cause of a separation being that in God's Providence we had 
been brought under such endearing obligations to one another. 

"But however that may have been, the Lord of his rich 
mercy grant that whatsoever steps have been taken in either 
the matter or the manner of your drawing off which have not 
been pleasing in His sight he would show them to you and 
graciously remit the same through Jesus Christ. And may you 
henceforward be restrained from every evil way, from all un- 
happy divisions, and from all unrighteousness in your proceed- 
ings, for these things lead to Him. 

"Touching your obtaining preaching among yourselves and 
putting yourselves into a preparation for special ordinancy 
among you in your Precinct, I must, from the affectionate concern 
I have for your best welfare, earnestly entreat you, brethren, to 
proceed with all . . . and strictly observing Gospel Order, and 
he . . . begin with God and keep close to Him, ever looking to 
Him through Jesus Christ for all that wisdom and grace which 
you need : And specially to aim really at His glory in all your 
undertaking, remembering your great account. 

"Before I break ofi let me with fervency beseech and charge 
you all that you recollect the great doctrine of Christ which you 



22 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

have been taught, not deceiving your own selves, but that you 
all labor after an experimental sense of them, and to increase 
and abound therein — for how shall you escape if you neglect 
so great salvation. 

"Finally, brethren, be steadfast, live in peace and holiness, 
and the God of love and peace shall be with you. 

"I rest yr very affectionate Friend and servant, 

"Ebenezer Parkman. 
" West BOROUGH , 

"Feb. 18th, 1744-5." 

Mr. Parkman's declination being final, the matter of choosing 
a minister was held in abeyance for several months. In the 
meantime, work on the new Meeting-house was progressing, and 
it soon became imperative to settle upon a minister. Following 
the custom of the time in such matters, a day was set apart 
"as a day of humiliation and prayer for Divine Direction in our 
further proceedings & in the calling a Gospel minister to settle 
among us." Also, the ministers of the neighboring churches 
were invited to be present and give their advice. 

The day of "humiliation and prayer" was held September 
12, 1745, the service being conducted by Reverend Mr. Parkman 
and Reverend Mr. Goss. But the neighboring ministers did not 
give their "advice" at that time. They found, or thought they 
found, "misunderstandings and uneasiness" among the people, 
and they required further time to think the matter over. But 
finally, on September 23, they met at the home of Lieutenant 
William Holloway, and after hearing both sides, they gave their 
advice in the following written statement: 

"Westborough, Sept. 23, 1745. 
"Inasmuch as the committee of the Second Precinct in 
Westborough have made application to us whose names are 
underwritten to give them our advice with reference to the 
settlement of divine ordinances among them, after humble 
application to God for direction ourselves, and maturely weighing 
what has been laid before us, do lament the appearance of mis- 
understandings and uneasiness in the precinct, and would 
earnestly recommend a mutual condescension as becomes Chris- 
tian professors, but on consideration that the chief matters of 
grievance cannot fall under our cognizance, nor can we have 
any prospect, from anything in our power, to redress them. 
But though there have been such difficulties subsisting here, yet 
if there should be any long delay, we have reason to fear they 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 23 

would rather increase, in such a day of temptation, than be 
diminished, we do freely advise that they proceed to nominating 
a number of candidates for the gospel ministry, to be heard by 
the precinct, in order to a choice; that they be two, together with 
the gentlemen they have been sometime hearing. And we 
(divers of us) recommend the Rev. Mr. Rand and Mr. Jedidiah 
Addams, of Cambridge, that they all be heard a few Sabbaths 
each. Upon the whole, brethren, we cannot but express our 
compassionate concern for you in your new circumstances, and 
do beseech you to beware of the many evils of strife and conten- 
tion; be cautious of the snares to which your most precious 
souls are exposed at such a critical juncture; and may the God 
of all wisdom and grace conduct and restrain you. 

"(Signed) John Prentice, 
Job Gushing, 
Ebenezer Parkman, 
Ebenezer Morse." 

The advice of the reverend gentlemen was heeded; and Mr. 
Rand, Mr. Addams and Mr. Martyn preached two Sundays each. 
Still, no call was extended to any of them. 

Mr. Parkman, in his diary, enlightens us as to the cause of 
the "misunderstanding and uneasiness" in the precinct. He 
says: "Mr. Ephraim Allen came with a letter from our North 
Precinct to Messrs. Prentice and Gushing and me, desiring us 
to consult and agree wh. yy. had best do about candidates for 
them, seeing the committee whom they had chose to wait upon 
these Gentlemen whom ye Precinct had nominated would not 
go, and whether they might not proceed to call Mr. Martyn." 

Mr. Parkman read this letter at a meeting of the Ministers' 
Association at Stow, October 15. But the Association took no 
definite action upon it until after consulting Mr. Martyn. It 
seems that Mr. Martyn had, a short time before, delivered a 
sermon before the ministers, in the course of which he had 
expressed some theological views with which they had not 
agreed. The people of the precinct knew this, but they were 
desirous of extending a call to Mr. Martyn notwithstanding. 
But they hesitated about doing so lest it give offense to the 
neighboring ministers. The ministers in their turn were un- 
willing to recommend Mr. Martyn until he should modify his 
theological views. Mr. Martyn did modify his views and 
signed a paper to that effect. Thereupon, "the Association 
wrote a letter to the Precinct that they had nothing to say why 
they might not proceed with respect to Mr. Martyn, if their Com- 
mittee refused to wait upon the other candidates nominated." 



24 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

This cleared the air, and the precinct felt at liberty to 
proceed. And the record tells us, under date of December 9, 
1745, "Mr. John Martyn was chosen by a clear vote," and "at 
a salary of fifty pounds in bills of the last emission, or two 
hundred pounds in bills of the old form and tenor, with a settle- 
ment of three hundred pounds of old tenor money." (Con- 
verted into American money, this salary amounted to $166.66 
and the settlement to $246.) 

Mr. Martyn's answer to the call was not returned until 
March 31, 1746. It is a lengthy document, but as it shows the 
character and habit of thought of Northborough's first minister, 
we quote it in full: 

JOHN MARTYN'S ACCEPTANCE 

"For Messrs. Nathan Ball, Matthias Rice and Jonathan 
Livermore, the Committee chosen by the Second Precinct in 
Westbroough to present me, the subscriber, with a call to the 
pastoral office in said Precinct. To be communicated to the 
inhabitants of said Precinct in Westborough. 

"I have spent much time and much thought in seriously 
considering your invitation to me to settle with you in the 
relation of a pastor to you, and have asked advice of those I 
thought most proper and capable to give it; and I hope I have 
not been negligent in seeking to the throne of grace for direction 
in this important affair. I am sensible, that, as the apostle says 
in I Timothy, iii, 1, 'if a man desire the ofiice of a bishop, he 
desireth a good work.' So also as that text implies, II Corin- 
thians, ii, 16, that none is thoroughly sufficient for these things. 
But yet, as God hath been pleased to commit the treasure of 
the gospel to earthen vessels, to men like ourselves, and to make 
it necessary there should be a standing ministry in his church, 
for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for 
the edifying of the body of Christ, so although all are not apostles, 
or teachers, though all indifferently may [not] take upon them 
the work of the ministry, yet it is necessary that some be taken 
from men to be ordained for men in things pertaining unto God. 
And as we have not a divine oracle to consult, nor any way to 
come at the knowledge of God's will, but by observing his provi- 
dences and comparing those with his word, so when persons of 
sobriety, learning and orthodoxy, disposed to the work of the 
ministry, have a clear and regular call from the people and 
from God, it is the duty of such to comply with such a call, 
trusting in God that his grace shall be sufficient for them, and 
that his strength shall be made perfect in their weakness. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 25 

"And now, brethren, as the Providence of God seems to have 
singled me out from amongst others, to commit unto me a dis- 
pensation of the gospel, and as you have manifested unto me 
so much respect as to count me worthy to rule, guide, and 
teach you, by calHng and inviting me to labor amongst you in 
this part of the Lord's vineyard, so I do now testify my compli- 
ance with your invitation. My brethren, I think that I can say 
that it is not for the sake of filthy lucre that I am moved here- 
unto: for I can see no prospect of any great worldly advantage 
to be in the ministry, especially in country parishes; neither do 
I expect a life of ease and pleasure, for I am sensible that, as to 
the work I am engaging in, it is painful and laborious; and, as 
the temper of mankind is at present, whoever engages in it 
must expect to meet^v'ith contempt, reproof, sorrow and trouble; 
but I trust in the grace of God to grant me those supplies of 
strength and grace which may be necessary to enable me to 
perform any work and to bear any sufferings he may have ap- 
pointed for me, and to arm me with that patience, self-denial 
and meekness, which should be eminent and conspicuous in the 
ministers of Jesus Christ, who should be patterns of every grace 
and virtue, and who, above others, had need to abound in these 
things. And I am not without hope that you yourselves, 
brethren, will contribute what you can to lighten my burden, 
and to comfort me under it, by manifesting a readiness to 
receive instructions, by your endeavoring to live a holy, harmless, 
blameless, circumspect, shining life; and that you will take part 
with me in whatever sorrows and sufferings God hath deter- 
mined to lay upon me. My brethren, our interests are now to 
be united. It will become us, therefore, to seek and endeavor 
each other's welfare in all proper methods. Your offers to me, 
as to temporal support and maintenance, are not large; but yet, 
as I now comply with them with an honest intention, and not 
desiring to make a gain of you upon account of the uncertain 
foundation of our medium of trade, so I hope, if I should be in 
need of any further assistance from you in any matters which 
might be much to my advantage and nothing to your damage, 
you will readily afTord me help. I know very well, that as the 
salary is settled upon silver, and that as our paper bills are daily 
depreciating, so it seems, on a transient view, and considering 
the present state of trade and living, as if you had given me a 
considerable advantage over you; on the other hand, if it had 
not been thus settled, it appears that I might have been sub- 
jected to many difficulties, and have been a continual complainer 
or sufferer. But, as I hope, had there been any seeming disad- 
vantage on my side, you would have endeavored to ease and 



26 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

relieve me, upon proper remonstrances and representations of 
my case, so I assure you, though the advantage at present may 
seem to be on my side (and, indeed, it does but seem so, for 
none can tell what turn affairs may take with respect to the 
medium of trade) — therefore, I say, though it may seem so, yet 
it is not my design to take any advantage of it to your preju- 
dice; and if there should ever happen any difficulty upon this 
account, I shall be very free and willing to leave it to any im- 
partial judge. 

"And now, brethren, I commend myself to God, and beg 
your prayers for me, that I may be found diligent and faithful 
in the work whereto I am called. And God forbid that I should 
cease praying for you and myself, that both you and I, in our 
respective stations, and relations to one another, may so conduct 
ourselves in this world, as that we piay be able to lift up our 
heads with joy another day, and may meet together in the 
temple of God in heaven, never more to go out. To conclude, 
brethren, be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in 
peace, and the God of love and peace shall be with you. And 
now may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. 
Amen. 

"I am your sincere friend and hearty well-wisher, 

"John Martyn. 
"Bolton, March 29, 1746." 

ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH AND THE ORDINATION 
OF JOHN MARTYN 

All the foregoing events were preliminary to the organiza- 
tion of the Church. That was effected May 21, 1746, by the 
following ten brethren, and the pastor-elect: 

John Martyn, the Pastor-elect Matthias Rice 

Ephraim Allen Samuel Allen 

Joshua Dowsing, alias Townsend Jacob Shephard 
John McAllister John Carruth 

Jonathan Livermore Silas Fay 

Gershom Fay 
The ordaining council was composed as follows: 
Rev. Mr. Parkman, of Westborough 
Rev. Mr. Prentice, of Lancaster 
Rev. Mr. Gushing, of Shrewsbury 
Rev. Mr. Loring, of Sudbury 
Rev. Mr. Hall, of Sutton 
Rev. Mr. Gardner, of Stow 
Rev. Mr. Barrett, of Hopkinton 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 27 

The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. Ebenezer 
Parkman, of Westborough, from the text "Obey them that have 
the rule over you, and submit yourselves; for they watch for 
your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it 
with joy, and not with grief." — Hebrews xiii, 17. 

The Charge was given by Mr. Prentice, of Lancaster, and the 
Fellowship of the Churches was extended by Mr. Cushing, of 
Shrewsbury. It is not known what other ministers had part 
in the service, but, as Dr. Allen says, "from the character of 
the men in the council, we may conclude that those services 
were able and appropriate, and contributed to the interest and 
solemnity of the occasion." 

The ordination of a man to the Christian ministry was an 
important event in those days; and we may well believe that 
this particular ordination, associated as it was with the organiza- 
tion of a new church, brought together a large and interested 
congregation. 

The following covenant was adopted by the new church at 
this time: 

THE CHURCH COVENANT* 

"We, whose names are hereafter subscribed, inhabiting the 
Second Precinct in Westborough in New England (knowing 
that we are very prone to offend and provoke the most High 
God, both in heart and life, through the prevelency of sin that 
dwelleth in us, and manifold temptations without us, for which 
we have great reason to be unfeignedly humbled before him 
from day to day), — 

"Do in the name of our Lord Jesus, with dependence upon 
the gracious assistance of his Holy Spirit, solemnly enter into 
a covenant with God and with one another, according to the 
will of God, as followeth: — 

"1st. That, having chosen and taken the Lord Jehovah to be 
our God, we will fear him and cleave to him in love, and serve 
him in truth with all our hearts, giving up ourselves to be his 
people, in all things to be at his direction and sovereign disposal, 
that we may have and hold communion with him, as members 
of Christ's mystical body, according to his revealed will, to our 
lives' end. 

"2ndly. We also oblige ourselves to bring up our children 
and servants in the knowledge and fear of God according to his 

*Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D., in his "Centennial Discourse" p. 43, says: "I find by examina- 
tion, that this very church covenant, with a few slight variations, had been adopted by the 
church at Sterling about eighteen months previous, namely, December 19, 1744, at the time 
of the ordination of their first minister, the Rev. John Mellen. It is not unlikely that it was 
adopted in other places." 



28 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

holy institutions, and according to our best abilities, and, in 
special, by the use of orthodox catechisms, so that the true 
religion may be maintained in our families while we live, and 
among such as shall live when we are dead. 

"3rdly. We promise to keep close to the truth of Christ, 
endeavoring, with lively affection toward it in our hearts, to 
defend it against all opposers thereof, as God shall call us at 
any time thereunto; and for our help herein we resolve to use 
the Holy Scriptures as our platform (whereby we may discern 
the will of Christ), and not the new-found inventions of man. 

"4thly. We also engage to have a careful inspection over 
our own hearts, so as to endeavor, by the virtue of the death of 
Christ, the mortification of our sinful passions, worldly frames, 
and disordered affections, whereby we may be withdrawn from 
the living God. 

"5thly. We, moreover, oblige ourselves, in the faithful 
improvement of our abilities and opportunities, to worship God 
according to all the particular institutions of Christ under the 
gospel administration, — as, to give reverent attention to the 
word of God, to pray unto him, to sing his praises, and to hold 
communion with each other, in the use of both the seals of the 
covenant. Baptism and the Lord's Supper. 

"6thly. We likewise promise that we will peaceably submit 
unto the holy discipline appointed by Christ in his church for 
offenders, obeying them that rule over us in the Lord. 

"7thly. We also bind ourselves to walk in love one towards 
another, endeavoring our mutual edification; visiting, exhort- 
ing, and comforting, as occasion serveth, and warning any 
brother or sister who offends, not divulging private offences 
irregularly, but heedfully following the several precepts laid 
down by Christ for church dealing, in Matthew, 18th chapter, 
15th, 16th, 17th verses, willingly forgiving all that manifest 
unto the judgment of charity, that they truly repent of their 
miscarriages. Now the God of peace, that brought again from 
the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, 
through the blood of the everlasting covenant make us all perfect 
in every good work to do his will, working in us all that which is 
well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be 
glory forever and ever. Amen." 

THE NEW MEETING-HOUSE 

The old Meeting-house served its purpose for half a century; 
but in 1794 it was very much out of repair, if we may believe a 
committee that was appointed to investigate its condition. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 29 

They reported that "the back side of said house wants new 
clapboarding, that the windows throughout the house want 
repairing, that the plastering needs considerable repairs, espe- 
cially overhead, that the back side of the roof is not sufficiently 
secured to defend the plastering from suffering injuries by driving 
snow-storms, etc." 

It would seem that our fathers were developing an aesthetic 
taste about that time, for in voting that the above repairs be 
made they also voted that the Meeting-house be adorned with 
porches; and a tower, if, by subscription enough money could 
be raised to purchase a bell to put into it. Committees were 
appointed to put these suggested improvements into effect. It 
certainly looked as though the old Meeting-house were about 
to be rejuvenated; but for some reason which does not appear, 
at a meeting held a little later (November, 1794) it was voted "to 
reconsider all that had been done respecting the Meeting-House." 
Then, having reconsidered, they immediately proceeded to 
choose another committee "to see what repairs are necessary 
to be made." The report of this new committee was not ac- 
cepted. 

The sequel shows that there was something back of these 
negative votes; and that something was a desire for a new building. 
The cat was let out of the bag at the March meeting in 1797 
when "Thaddeus Fay and others" presented a petition requesting 
the town "to build a new Meeting-house and to complete it in 
the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred." This 
petition was defeated ; and nothing more was heard of the matter 
until 1803, when the effort was renewed — but with as little 
success as formerly. Two years later, however, it was "voted 
that a new Meeting-House be built in this town." No measures 
were taken to put the vote into effect until March, 1806, when 
the following committee "of seven persons were chosen to find 
a spot or place to set the Meeting-house, and draw a plan of 
one: Oliver Eager, Stephen Williams, James Keyes, Deacon 
Isaac Davis, Phineas Davis, John Ball and Major William 
Eager." 

This committee presented a plan for a new building in 
April, 1806, but no action was taken upon it. In November of 
that year, it was again "voted to build a Meeting-house and 
complete it in the year 1808." But another committee was 
appointed to present a new plan. At a meeting held on Novem- 
ber 17, 1806, the reports of both these committees were freely 
and fully discussed, with the result that the first plan was 
accepted. 

According to this plan the new building was to be fifty-six 



30 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

feet square, with a projection adjoining the south end of said 
house thirty-four feet in length and fifteen feet in width. The 
plan also called for galleries along three sides of the main build- 
ing. The floor plan called for seventy pews, those "between 
the two outside alleys" to be "long," and those against the walls 
"square." It was further provided that there should be twenty- 
six square pews in the galleries. 

The site where the new building should stand is very defi- 
nitely stated in the following vote: "Then voted that the com- 
mittee for building the new Meeting-house be, and are hereby 
directed, to set the northwest corner of the new Meeting-house 
thirty-three feet due south from the east post of the passage- 
way leading into the burying-ground, and the west side due 
north and south." 

The committee who superintended the erection of the new 
Meeting-house were: 

James Keyes Colonel John Crawford 

Stephen Williams Seth Grout 

Deacon Isaac Davis Asaph Rice 

Hollon Maynard Phinneas Davis 
Major William Eager 

THE RAISING 

The "raising" of a building in those days was an event of 
great importance. And we may presume that the raising of 
this building was no exception to the usual custom. It is to be 
regretted, however, that no contemporary account of the "rais- 
ing" has been preserved. The only reference to it, so far as we 
have been able to learn, is in Stephen Williams' journal (Mr. 
Williams was one of the building committee). He records 
these simple facts: "June 6, 1808. The frame of the new Meeting- 
house was raised today." "June 7. The tower was raised today." 
"June 8. The lantern was raised today." "It cost $500 to raise 
the new Meeting-house." 

Though no account of the raising is known to exist, it may 
not be out of place to record a few notes from the town record 
in anticipation of the event: 

May 23, 1808. Concerning raising the new Meeting-house, 

"Voted, to choose a committee to select fifty persons to raise 
it, — and that the committee who superintend building the 
Meeting-house, select them. 

"Then voted, that they will turn out to raise the Meeting- 
house free from expense for their labour. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 31 

"Voted, to choose a committee of three to provide a nunchion 
and a dinner for the men, who shall be employed in raising the 
Meeting-house, while raising, and chose Mr. Oliver Eager, Mr. 
Samuel Allen, and Mr. Joel Parmenter for the purpose. 

"Voted, that the building committee provide the beer neces- 
sary for raising. 

"Then it was put to vote to see if the town will raise the 
Meeting-house free of expense for their labour, and have a 
nunchion and dinner and drink, and it passed in the negative. 

"Voted, that those who eat breakfast and supper at home 
shall be allowed the same it will cost to eat at the committee's 
table. 

"Then voted, to dismiss the article for the present." 

Adjourned to May 25. 

May 25, 1808. "The town met on adjournment and took 
up the article concerning raising the Meeting-house. 

"Voted, that all the proceedings at the last meeting concern- 
ing raising the Meeting-house shall be reconsidered. 

"Then voted, that the committee who superintend building 
the Meeting-house shall superintend and provide for the raising." 

The building committee made its final report at the April 
meeting, 1809, and at their own request were discharged from 
further care of the building. We learn from this report that 
"the whole expense of the house, together with the bell, and 
exclusive of our services and expense money amounts to $8992." 

The "bell," spoken of in the report, proved to be too light 
(1063 lbs., and purchased by Colonel William Eager), and in 
May, 1809, Stephen Williams was appointed an agent to exchange 
it for a heavier one. We do not know about the first one, but 
the one purchased by Stephen Williams (and which is still in 
use) was cast at the foundry of Paul Revere, and bears his name, 
with the date, 1809. 

The pulpit was a huge affair and was built against the rear 
wall. But it has undergone several changes since, being made 
smaller with every change. The present pulpit is very large 
and is considered to be very beautiful. 

The church was very materially changed in 1848. The 
galleries were removed, and the floor raised so as to make a 
vestry. 

The early settlers of New England were characterized by a 
general hostility to anything and everything that savored of 



32 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

formality in religious matters, but especially in their public 
worship. This hostility manifested itself in various ways: 
there was no service at funerals; the Scriptures were not read 
in the pulpit service; and the word "church" to designate the 
house of worship was prohibited. 

All early churches, and even down to the early years of the 
nineteenth century, were called "Meeting-houses." These 
were crude and barn-like structures. Hardly one of them had 
either a tower or a steeple. The first departure from this cold 
severity was a cupola at the apex of the roof, which inclined 
from the four sides. A notable example yet remains in the old 
First Parish Meeting-house at Hingham, built in 1681; also in 
St. Michael's church at Marblehead, built in 1714, though in 
this church the cupola is at the side. The next advance, or 
what we shall call the third period, where a square tower was 
built from the ground, retaining the same diameter to the bell 
deck, then a bell section (and always open), with a spire sur- 
mounting it. The Old South in Boston is a fair example. The 
fourth style was hardly used before the year 1800. A notable, and 
really elegant example of this style is the old Unitarian church 
at Newburyport, built in 1800. It consists of a wide porch of 
not very great projection, a square tower over it, then the bell 
section, and that in turn surmounted by either a dome or a 
spire. 

The Northborough church is as fine a specimen of the fourth 
style as can be found in New England. It must be set down 
to the everlasting credit of those who built this edifice that their 
artistic taste was so cultivated that they produced what is really 
an unsurpassed example of Georgian architecture. 

But what became of the old Meeting-house? It remained 
standing, and was used, up to the time the new building was 
dedicated — February 9, 1809 — when it was sold at public auction 
to Timothy Underwood. Mr. Underwood lived on the farther 
side of Norcross Hill, on the road to Westborough, in the house 
now owned by Mr. Elwood Jenness. He took it down, moved it 
over to his place, set it up again, and made it into a barn. It is 
still standing and is used for the same purpose — being the central 
portion of Mr. Jenness's large barn. 

"To what base uses we may yet return, 
Horatio! . . . 

Imperious Caesar, dead and turned to clay. 
Might stop a hole to keep the wind away." 

The report which the committee who sold the building made 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 33 

at the next town meeting (March, 1810) is interesting as throw- 
ing some light on a custom which obtained at that time at a 
pubHc sale: We "sold the Meeting-house for $174.43; and paid 
for liquor at the sale $50.51 ; leaving a balance due to the town, 
of $123.92." 

It must be remembered that the Meeting-house was used not 
only as a place for public worship but for all public uses of the 
town. It was not only a church; it was a town hall as well. 
All town meetings were held there. In the new building town 
meetings were held on "the second floor of the projection of the 
Meeting-house" — what is now the choir gallery. The first town 
meeting to be held in this new Meeting-house was on Monday, 
May 1, 1809. And town business continued to be transacted 
there until the first town hall was built — in 1821. We presume 
that it was sometimes difficult to heat the Meeting-house at 
such times — not even town politics which are sometimes said 
"to boil," furnishing sufficient heat; for the record tells us fre- 
quently that "the meeting adjourned to the tavern for half an 
hour." 

ARCHITECT AND CONTRACTOR 

It is to be regretted, too, that the town records make no 
mention of either architect or contractor. Dr. Allen, however, 
in one of his pamphlets, says, "the house was built by Col! 
Eames of Buckland and Capt. Brooks of Princeton." This 
statement would seem to be substantiated in the case of Captain 
Brooks at least; for we learn from Mr. Oilman B. Howe (the 
genealogist) that John Brooks (whom he traces to the Princeton 
family of that name) was a resident of Northborough in 1808 
(the year that the Meeting-house was built), and was taxed 
here in that year, and only in that year. A bit of internal 
evidence may also be adduced from the Town Records. Under 
date of September 26, 1808, it is recorded, that "Mr. Brooks was 
requested to come in and give information concerning the 
pulpit. He came in and gave information accordingly." 

Concerning Colonel Eames there can be no doubt. John 
Ames, or Eames (two spellings for the same name) was a Marl- 
borough contractor. He was born in Marlborough in 1767, 
and is known to have lived some years in the western part of the 
state in pursuance of his calling. Many churches in western 
Massachusetts were built by him. He also built the Unitarian 
church in Marlborough, the Congregational church in South- 
borough, and the steeple of the Congregational church in Shrews- 
bury. He became entangled in some financial difficulty in his 
later years, and committed suicide in 1813. 



34 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

When building the Northborough church he had two boys, 
Horace and Calvin Perkins, working for him, whom he had 
brought with him from Ashfield, Mass, the elder of whom, 
Horace, aged eighteen years, fell from the tower of the church 
and was instantly killed. 



CHAPTER IV 

THE THREE TOWN MINISTERS 

I. JOHN MARTYN 

John Martyn, Northborough's first minister, belonged to an 
old English family long settled in Boston. He was born in 
Boston, May 6, 1706 (old style), in North Square "hard by the 
North Church," which at that time and for many years there- 
after, was the aristocratic residential district of the town. His 
father. Captain Edward Martyn (1665-1718), was a well- 
known merchant and large property owner. He was one of 
the prominent men of his time, and is said to have owned most 
of the land from Hanover Street to the sea, practically half of 
the North End of Boston. He was one of a committee who 
negotiated the several purchases for the cemetery (Copp's Hill 
burial-ground, to this day one of the points of historical interest). 
He was several times town commissioner and selectman; was a 
member of the Great and General Court; was a member of the 
committee that issued bills of credit to pay the debts incurred 
in the French and Indian Wars, the first paper money made in 
Massachusetts. He commanded the Ancient and Honorable 
Artillery Company in 1715, then, as now, a great honor.* He 
died in 1718 and was buried in Copp's Hill burial-ground, in a 
tomb which he was granted liberty to make "provided he carry 
up the wall thereof next the Hway (highway) so as to be a suffi- 
cient fence." ' 

John Martyn was the fifth son and eighth child in a family 
of eleven children. Upon the death of his father (soon after 
John had passed his twelfth birthday), his mother moved to 
Harvard, Mass. John was educated at Harvard College, 
graduating in 1724. Soon after his graduation, August 18, he 
married Mary, one of two daughters of Edward Marrett of 
Cambridge.! The marriage took place at Concord, Mass., at 
the home of the young wife's aunt; and there the young couple 
probably lived for a year or two. At the age of twenty-one he 
was engaged in business in Medford, Mass. Some years later 
he resided in Harvard, Mass. 

*Dr. Allen says he was a "sea captain." There is no evidence to that effect. He un- 
doubtedly got his title of "Captain" from his connection with the Ancient and Honorable 
Artillery Company. 

tThe other daughter married Judah Monis, Hebrew instructor at the College, and a close 
friend of John Martyn. (See section headed "Judah Monis.") 



36 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

At the age of thirty-nine his attention was turned to theo- 
logical pursuits, and upon the organization of the new church 
in the north precinct of Westborough he was an applicant for 
its pulpit. How he was received by the Ministerial Association 
of the neighborhood is interestingly told by Reverend Ebenezer 
Parkman, of Westborough. Mr. Parkman kept a diary, a 
small portion of which has been published. The following quo- 
tations are mostly from the unpublished part of the diary which 
is now in the possession of the American Antiquarian Society 
at Worcester. 

"March 17, 1745. Mr. Martyn preached to the north pre- 
cinct." 

"March 18, 1745. Mr. Martyn made me a kind visit and 
dined with me." 

"April 9, 1745. "The association met here today . . . 
present, Loring (of Sudbury), Gushing (of Shrewsbury), Gardner 
(of Stow), Barrett (of Hopkinton), Stone (of Southborough), 
Goss (of Bolton), Smith (of Marlborough), and Daivs (of Holden), 
At eve Mr. Martyn del. a large confession of faith. Debates 
upon his being approbated. Mr. Gardner made objections." 

"April 10. Resumed conference about Mr. Martin. Gard- 
ner and he were advised to retire together. They did so and 
came in reconciled. . . . Further interrogatory with regard to 
his disuse of the Tongues and Sinners, etc. In a word, he was 
approbated by a certificate signed by every member." 

June 11, 1745, there was a conference at Bolton, at which 
Mr. Martyn expounded his theological views more fully, in the 
course of which he said things that some of the other ministers 
did not approve of. Mr. Parkman says of this conference: 

"Mr. Martyn and Mr. Nat. Gardner, candidates, were there. 
. . . Mr. Martyn del. an Exercise on Matt. 16, 17 that no one 
member I think was satisfied with. He advanced that there 
would be no rewards in the future world according to mere 
works until the General Judgment. ... I went home with Mr. 
Martyn and lodged there." 

"June 12, 1745. In the morning there was a free conversa- 
tion with Mr. Martyn about his sermon yesterday. The scheme 
being new and some passages offensive to all." 

He was invited, December 9, 1745, to become the minister 
of the north precinct in Westborough (now Northborough) 
"by a clear vote." His letter of acceptance is dated March 29, 
1746. He was ordained to the Christian ministry and settled 
as the minister of the town, May 21, 1746. He died April 30, 
1767, after a ministry of twenty-one years lacking a few days. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 37 

GENEALOGY 

John Martyn, son of Captain Edward Martyn, of Boston, 
born May 6, 1706; married Mary Marrett, daughter of Edward 
and Hannah (Bradish) Marrett. He died, April 30, 1767. 
She died Spetember 8, 1775. 

THEIR CHILDREN 

John, born 1730 — married Abigail Baker. 

Mary, born married Dr. Timothy Minot, of 

Concord. 

Richard, born married Susannah Allen Low, 

of Marlborough, went to Connecticut. 

Michael, born July 21, 1737 — married Zilpah Eager. 

Nathaniel, born married Anna Townsend, of Bolton J 

resided for a time in Harvard, and later went south. 

The life of a country minister was not a bed of roses even in 
John Martyn's time. He had his troubles, but they were 
mostly financial. Presumably his salary ($166.66) compared 
favorably with those of other ministers of the time, and would 
have been adequate to his needs had it been paid regularly. 
But alas! and alack! the times were hard, the currency was in a 
state of fluctuation and the minister's salary was neglected; so 
much so, and so often, that he was compelled to address the 
following communication to the precinct committee: 

REV. JOHN MARTYN'S JUST COMPLAINT 

'To Bezaleel Eager and Others, Committee of the North Precinct 
in Westhorough: 

"Gentlemen, — You are not strangers to the terms or condi- 
tions upon which I settled in this place, neither need I tell you 
that they have never yet been complied with on the part of the 
precinct; and as you have the management of the public affairs 
of this precinct, I thought it therefore not improper to inform 
you of my uneasiness with respect to my salary from year to 
year. It is an old saying, that sufferers have leave to speak; 
and as I have been a very great sufferer upon account of the 
non-fulfilment of the contract from year to year, I think this, if 
there was nothing else, would be sufficient to justify me in my 
present complaints, without telling you that I look upon it a 
real injury to the people themselves to make no conscience of 
fulfilling their engagements. For let me tell you, if you have a 
house for the worship of God, a minister, and ordinances, only 



38 NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 

for fashion-sake, you had better be without them; but if you 
really intend by them to get that good which God designs by 
bringing his kingdom so nigh you, how can you expect to reap 
those benefits, while you injure him who is appointed to bring 
you the messages of peace and salvation? Is it likely that any 
success will attend the means of grace among a people who show 
a manifest slight and contempt of them by their backwardness 
and unwillingness to maintain and encourage those that wait 
at God's alter? For is not the laborer worthy of his hire? 
Don't you acknowledge this in temporal things? for if you have 
a laborer for the lowest, meanest sort of work, has he not at 
least his food from day to day? And why must a minister 
maintain himself, at least nine or ten months of the year, which 
has all along been the case here, or suffer? Is the work of the 
ministry of so much less value than digging in a ditch? and can 
you suppose that persons will always think that anybody they 
deal with should be better paid than the ambassador of Christ; 
and that, if they keep their word and make good their promises 
to others, no matter whether they are kept with ministers or 
not? Is it not likely that this is oftentimes the case? If there 
had been fewer instances of it, even in this place, the conditions 
upon which I settled here had been better performed than they 
have been. And one great reason, though not the only reason, 
why the payment of my salary hath been delayed from year to 
year hath been the putting off making the rates in proper season ; 
and what apprehensions they that are concerned have of public 
trusts and sacred oaths is very strange to me. 

"Gentlemen, you know something of the difficulties and 
charges I have been put to to settle here, and the very small 
matter of assistance I have had from the people; and I must 
needs tell you, that, after all this, I take it very hard that I am 
obliged to take the very money which I should make use of to 
pay the debts I have contracted towards my building, to buy 
the necessaries of life; and not only so, but to be obliged through 
mere necessity to injure those I owe; whereas, if the precinct 
were faithful and just to their engagements, I need not be brought 
to this. I am very sorry I am obliged to write thus; but how can 
I avoid it, when I am a continual sufferer, and those whose busi- 
ness it is will not move in my behalf? It is a hard case, when a 
minister is obliged thus to complain, and what I wish there was 
no occasion for, but necessity puts me upon it; for four years 
have now passed, and though every year, according to agree- 
ment, I was to have my salary at two equal payments, yet more 
than half a year hath always run away, and sometimes more, 
before any rates have been made, and then some months after 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 39 

hath been taken up before I have even had anything of value, 
which has been to my damage one way or other at least forty or 
fifty pounds a year. But if the contract were never intended 
to be kept by the people, why did they ever make it? How 
vastly different do this people deal with others from their deal- 
ings with me. I do not intend anything I have writ to be by 
way of reproach to you or any particular person, for I write in 
sober sadness; for it is designed as an introduction to a petition 
which I have to make, and that is, that you would be just to 
yourselves and me for the time to come, and that I may have no 
more reasons for complaints of this nature. I have told you 
before, and tell you now, that I owe a considerable sum yet 
towards my buildings, and the money I should have took to 
have paid my debts, and which I never had of the people, I was 
obliged to lay out for the neccessaries of life; and do now buy 
all that I expend in my family, which is very discouraging to me. 
I wish these matters might be seriously thought of by you, 
and not only so, but that a meeting may be called and proper 
steps taken to bring things under a better regulation. I know 
some may say, the times are hard and difficult, and if the rates 
should be made in season, the money could not be gathered. 
To this I answer, I am as sensible of the hardness of the times, 
and have as much reason, under my present circumstances, to 
lament it, as anybody; but the times are not equally hard with 
all ; some have money, though others haven't; and if the generality 
would deal as well with me as they do with their shoemakers, 
tailors, smiths, and the like, I doubt not, though the times are 
hard, I should be better paid this year than I have been in 
any year past. But supposing the times to be never so hard, 
do you think this reason sufficient for the committee to betray 
their trust, or for the assessors to trifle with a sacred oath? 
You must remember that I am one party in the covenant with 
this people, and I never yet consented to any alteration of it; 
and until I do, it ought to be fulfilled as near as possible. And 
were the rates made sooner, from year to year, it might be an 
advantage to the people as well as to me; for, as I have some- 
thing of a farm, a considerable part of my salary might be paid 
in labor, without injuring anybody; but so it is that nobody cares 
to ease their brethren this way till perhaps a year and a half is 
gone, and when they have nothing to do at home they may 
offer their services to me; and what is still to my damage, some 
that I have hired to work, though there have been near or 
quite six months of the year gone, and sometimes more, have 
insisted upon their wages, which I have paid them in money, 
when there has been no reason for it but because there was no 
rate made. 



40 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"Many more grievous things of the like nature I could tell 
of, if it were likely to do any good. Upon the whole, I pray 
you would take this matter into consideration, and let what is 
amiss be rectified as soon as possible. 

"From your suffering pastor, 

"Jno. Martyn. 
"Westborough, 

"June 23, 1750." 

The above straightforward communication had its desired 
effect, and measures were taken to relieve the minister's un- 
pleasant situation. But the dilatory habits of the precinct soon 
returned, and three years later the minister was under the 
necessity of sending a second communication of like tenor. 

It must not be supposed, however, that this situation was 
peculiar to Northborough. All ministers of the time probably 
suffered in the same way, and for the same reason, that John 
Martyn suffered. Dr. Parkman of Westborough certainly did, 
as the following item from his diary proves: 

"Nov, 16, 1778. On this day was the Town Meeting, to 
Consider my Support, and by reason of ye extraordinariness of 
ye Depression of ye Medium of Commerce, & being persuaded 
yt many persons were unknowing to my Circumstances and some 
were desirous I would say something to inform you, probably. 
Also if I did not send my mind to you, nor go to the Meeting, 
would make an Handle of that, and resist, say they did not 
know yt I desired anything, what should they impose it for? 
therefore I sent you a paper (which see) drawn with as much 
wisdom and Care as I could. But it had not the Success that 
might reasonably be expected, except with regard to ye Wood, 
which they provided for handsomely. But as to sallery, they 
voted only £300 where everyone asks in Lawful Money what 
they used to in old Tenor." (page 68.) 

John Martyn was ordained May 21, 1746, the same day that 
the church was organized. He preached his last sermons, 
April 19, 1767. 

Morning text: Ps. 49:3. "My mouth shall speak of wisdom: 
and the mediation of my heart shall be of understanding." 

Afternoon text: Hebrews iii, 7. "Wherefore (as the Holy 
Ghost saith). To-day if ye will hear his voice." 

"On the 24th of April, 1767, on Friday, he was taken sick of 
the Nerves fever; and on Thursday, the 30th Inst., at Two 
o'clock in the Morning, He Left a World of Sense and Went to 
the Father of Spirits: So then, the time he was Minister of the 




REV. PETER WHITNEY 
Minister of the Town, 1767-1816 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 41 

Gospel in This place was Twenty Years, Eleven Months & Nine 
Days." [From an unpublished journal.] 

II. PETER WHITNEY 

Peter Whitney, Northborough's second minister, was born 
in Petersham, Mass., September 6, 1744, nearly two years before 
the Northborough church was organized. He was the son of 
Rev. Aaron Whitney, the first minister of Petersham. He 
was graduated from Harvard College in 1762, when only eighteen 
years of age. Among his forty-seven classmates was Elbridge 
Gerry of Marblehead (the author's native town), who later 
became a member of the first Continental Congress, a signer of 
the Declaration of Independence, Minister to France, 1797, 
a governor of Massachusetts, 1810-12, and a vice-president of 
the United States, 1813-14. After teaching school in Lexington 
for a while he studied theology at Cambridge to fit himself for 
the Christian ministry. He was ordained in Northborough, 
Wednesday, November 4, 1767, and was settled as minister of 
the town. 

After John Martyn died (April 30) the pulpit was occupied 
by the neighboring ministers who had served as bearers at the 
funeral. This seems to have been a custom of the time. Thus, 
on May 3, Mr. Loring, of Sudbury preached, and was followed 
on successive Sundays by Mr. Barrett, of Hopkinton, Parkman, 
of Westborough, Stone, of Southborough, and Goss, of Bolton. 

Mr. Whitney preached his first sermon June 7, and occupied 
the pulpit continuously (with three or four exceptions) until the 
day of his ordination, November 4. 

PROGRAM OF ORDINATION 
Prayer: By Ebenezer Morse, of Boylston. 
Sermon: By Rev. Aaron Whitney, of Peterhsam, father of 
the candidate. Text of Sermon, Matt, xxviii, 19-20. 
Letter of dismission from the Church in Lexington. 

Prayer and Charge: By Reverend Ebenezer Parkman, of 
Westborough. 

Right Hand of Fellowship: By Reverend Aaron Smith, of 
Marlborough. 

Concluding Prayer: By Rev. Josiah Bridge, of East Sudbury. 

Mr. Whitney's salary was £60 Lawful Money, and his 
settlement £160 ($220 and $533,331). Like his predecessor, 
John Martyn, Mr. Whitney was frequently in financial difficulty, 
owing to his small salary being unable to keep pace with the 



42 NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 

increasing cost of living. Time and again, the town was obliged 
to make a special appropriation to meet his financial needs. 

A small salary and a constantly increasing cost of living did 
not, however, deter the young minister from taking unto himself 
a wife; and five months after his settlement we find him making 
a journey to Reading with that object in view. He married 
Julia, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Nichols) Lambert, 
March 11, 1768. Two members of his church, one of whom was 
Thaddeus Fay, were sent to represent the church at the wedding 
ceremony, and they accompanied the bride and bridegroom all 
the way home on horseback. Awaiting them at Marlborough was 
a large company that had gone over to meet them ; and together, 
they journeyed homeward. Reaching their home, they found 
it in possession of a large number of townspeople who extended 
to them a spontaneous and joyful welcome. 

The newly married couple became very popular, as the 
following item will show: 

PARSON WHITNEY'S SPINNING-BEE 

The following interesting item is copied from the "Massa- 
chusetts Gazette" of October 5, 1769. Parson Whitney had 
been settled in Northborough about two years at that time, and 
he and his young "consort" doubtless felt very grateful for this 
graceful and generous mark of esteem on the part of the good 
ladies of their parish. 

"Northborough, Sept. 26, 1769. The good women of North- 
borough, zealous of emulation, yea, ambitious of exceeding 
their sisters in other towns, agreed to spin what each should 
please, and appointed a day on which to meet at the house of 
Rev. Mr. Whitney to present him and his consort with what 
each had spun for that end : — Accordingly, on the day appointed 
they assembled at the house of their minister about 3 o'clock in 
the afternoon, bringing with them the fruit of their labors and in- 
dustry. Upon computing it was found that they had brought 70 
fourteen knotted skains of linen and 94 seven knotted skains of 
tow, and 83 seven knotted skains and 4 knots of cotton, amounting 
to 2223 knots; also, one woman brought a linen sheet, two others 
brought each of them a towel, another sent a pound of worsted: 
All which they generously gave to their reverend pastor. The 
number of women was forty-four. It is presumed that this act 
of generosity much exceeds what any other people have done for 
their minister in this way, that we have heard of: especially 
will it be thought so when the smallness of the place, the fewness 
of its members, that this was spun at their own houses and out 
of their own materials are considered." 




THE REV. PETER WHITNEY PARSONAGE. BUILT 1780 
The original John Martyn Parsonage stood on this site 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 43 

THE PARSONAGE BURNS DOWN 

April 26, 1780, was the annual Fast Day, and, as the custom 
then was, the people had assembled in their Meeting-house to 
hear a special sermon. Preachers in those days, and, indeed, 
down to modern times when Fast Day gave place to Patriot's 
Day, chose that occasion for discoursing upon the "conditions of 
the times," social, moral and political. Two services were 
held, morning and afternoon, as on Sundays. 

On this particular occasion, however, only one service was 
held, and for the reason (as an unpublished journal relates): 
"This Day Mr. Whitney's House was Burnt." Mr. Whitney 
preached, that morning, from the text Gen, xxxii, 26, "And 
he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me." Tradition 
has it, that, in the progress of the service some one stepped up 
to the pulpit and handed the minister a note, saying, "Your 
house is on fire." Mr. Whitney read the note, laid it aside, and 
went on with his service. When the service was over, the 
parson and his family were homeless. 

This tradition, if true, shows Mr. Whitney to have been a man 
who permitted nothing to interfere with his preaching the 
Gospel. 

For details of that catastrophe let us draw upon Mr. Park- 
man's "Diary," an almost inexhaustible mine of detailed 
information for the time it covers. He says, under date of April 
26, 1780: "General Fast thro' out ye States. Preached on ye 
Text above (Zech. vii, 5-7). 

"In going to Meeting P.M. was informed yt Mr. Whitney's 
House of Northboro was burnt down this very noon. I preached 
on Ps. 107 :43 & took occasion frequently to apply it to ye present 
Occurrence, so surprising and affecting! May ye Lord sanctifie 
it to ye Sufferers & to us all!" 

"April 27. In ye Morning, I rode over to see ye Ruins, & 
sympathize with those who are bereaved. I found ye sad Cause 
to be, Mrs. Whitney made a Fire in her Oven, that morning, 
sat in her Food to be baked for Supper; but ye Fire, while ye 
People were at Meeting in ye forenoon, kindled in ye Kitchen 
Chamber, & was discovered by Mr. Saml Allen in ye time of ye 
last prayer. Many goods in ye lower rooms, ye Church plate 
&c were saved, but the Library and Papers, which were of great 
worth: 4 feather Beds, all their Cloths and Linnen, except what 
they had on, Corn, Cyder, Sauce, &c., &c., burnt. Mr. Sumner 
(of Shrewsbury) came also and carryed various things. I went 
in to see Mr. Jonas Badcock, whose Hair, Face and Hands were 
much Scorched, Swelled and blistered by ye Flames. I dined 



44 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

at Mrs. Briggs's where Mr. Whitney and his Family had re- 
paired to. Mr. Sumner and Mr. Allen, preacher at Bolton, dined 
there also. The people meet this afternoon to see what they can 
do toward assisting. N.B.: A great deal has been brot in 
already." 

"April 30. On consideration of ye burning of Mr. Whitney's 
House, I preached (with alterations repeated) on Lam. 3:22-23, 
both A. & P.M. Appointed contribution for Rev. Mr. Whitney 
next Sabbath. At noon conferred with Selectmen as well as 
Deacons about ye Contributions." 

"May 10. Mr. Andrews delivers me a letter from Mr. 
Whitney, concerning our Contribution for him, manifesting his 
Satisfaction in our deferring it, and how gratefully he will 
accept of whatsoever shall be afforded." 

"May 14. After ye forenoon Exercise, I read some Parts 
of Mr. Whitney's Letter to me on ye 8th to ye Congregation. 

"P. M. A Contribution for Rev. Peter Whitney." 

"May 15. Deac. Wood here to count ye Contribution made 
yesterday. It was in Notes 262£, in Money (including 5 
Pistareens), 175. In all to Mr. Whitney 438£." 

The active interest that Mr. Parkman manifested in Mr. 
Whitney's misfortune shows him to have been a man of large 
heart and deep sympathy who made other people's sorrows his 
own. This fact doubtless accounts for his long and successful 
pastorate. He was born in Boston, September 5, 1703; was 
graduated from Harvard in 1721; ordained in Westborough, 
October 28, 1724, at the age of 21; and died December 9, 1782, 
in the fifty-ninth year of his ministry. 

The effect of the loss of his house and contents, and the 
consequent inconvenience to which he and his large family were 
subjected, must have been very serious upon Mr. Whitney. 
He did not preach again (in his own church) until May 21. 
What more natural than that on that occasion he should choose 
for the subject of his discourse, "Adversity!" His text was the 
well-known words from Eccles. (vii, 14): "But in the Day of 
Adversity, Consider." Nor did he preach again until July 2; 
nor again, until September 17; and from then until the end of 
the year he occupied his pulpit only seven times. 

Ministers had no vacations in those days; when they needed 
a respite from their labors they exchanged pulpits with the 
neighboring brethren. This is what Mr. Whitney did, until 
such time as his new house was ready for occupancy and he 
could work at his desk without interruptions. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 45 

That Mr. Whitney lost no time in rebuilding his house is 
attested by this further item from Mr. Parkmen's "Diary." 
Under date of May 29, he says: "Rec'd a Letter from Rev. 
Whitney to request me to dine with him & to attend the Raising 
a New House for him. In riding over there met with Mr. 
McCarty — he was going to Boston. But turned about and 
went with me to Northborough. Mr. Stone came also. We 
dind at Mrs. Briggs, & there Supped. Mr. McCarty went to 
Boston. Mr. Stone and I went to the Raising. I prayed 
and gave ye Psalm (ps. 127). Mr. Stone (of Southborough) 
made ye last prayer. No Evil occurrence. Blessed be God! 
Mr. Elijah Brigham was my Company home. An Excellent 
Frame & a great Company." 

Mr. Parkman was right in saying that the house had "an 
excellent frame" ; for the house is still standing and is in as good 
condition as it ever was. It is known as "The Old Parsonage," 
the "Peter Whitney Parsonage," and is one of the points of 
interest in the town today. It is owned and occupied by Miss 
Ada A. McClure. The street on which it stands is Whitney 
Street. 

A TRADITION 

Peter Whitney had a large family — eleven children. There 
is a tradition current that on Sunday morning when the family 
got ready for church they were lined up according to their age 
(another version says, according to their height), and in single 
file marched thus to meeting, the parson of course, heading the 
procession. 

When the new Meeting-house was built, according to the 
custom of the time, one pew was assigned for the use of the 
minister's family. But the minister's family was so large that 
the "minister's pue" could not accommodate them, and the 
parson was under the necessity of buying an extra one. (This 
last is no tradition, as a reference to the pew plan will show.) 

MR. WHITNEY'S PUBLISHED WRITINGS 

A few of Mr. Whitney's writings were printed; and judging 
from their character we could wish that more of them had been 
preserved in that way. For they are the product of a strong, 
virile mind, a mind that grasped the real significance of current 
events : 

1774. Two Discourses on the Occasion of a Publick Fast. 

1776. A Sermon on the Declaration of Independence. 

1793. History of Worcester County. 

1796. A Half Century Discourse. 



46 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY • 

1797. An Ordination Charge at Boylston. 

1800. A Sermon at the Ordination of his Son. 

1800. A Sermon on the Death of Washington. 

1806. Address at the Dedication of a Church at South- 
borough. 

1810. A Funeral Sermon at Shrewsbury, on the wife of 
Rev. Dr. Sumner. 

All the above are pamphlets, with the exception of the 
"History of Worcester County," which is a book. This is the 
first history of Worcester County ever written ; and is an accurate 
and somewhat detailed account of every town in the county. 
Though the first of its kind, and written as long ago as 1793, it 
is the basis upon which all later histories were written. Every 
Worcester County town history written since that date quotes 
freely from it. It is dedicated to John Adams, then Vice- 
President of the United States, and was printed by Isaiah Thomas, 
in Worcester. It has long since been out of print, but a copy 
now and then turns up at a second-hand bookstore. 

MR. WHITNEY, THE MAN AND THE MINISTER 

Peter Whitney preached his last sermon on Sunday, Feb- 
ruary 25, 1816. He died suddenly, Thursday, February 29. 
Or, as an unpublished journal puts it, under that date, "This 
Day the Rev. Peter Whitney fell down dead. He was born 
September 17, 1744, was ordained in Northborough, November 
4, 1767, and died February 29, 1816. From his ordination to his 
death were 48 years, 3 months and 25 days. He was 71 years, 
5 months and 12 days old." 

He was buried March 5 ; the Rev. Dr. Sumner, of Shrewsbury 
preached the funeral sermon from the text (Matt, xiv, 12): "And 
his disciples came and took up the body and buried it, and 
went and told Jesus." 

Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D. his successor in the Northborough 
church, paid him the following tribute: 

"Distinguished for the urbanity of his manners, easy and 
familiar in his intercourse with his people, hospitable to strangers, 
and always ready to give a hearty welcome to his numerous 
friends; punctual in his engagements, observing an exact method 
in the distribution of his time, having a time for everything, and 
doing everything in its time, without hurry or confusion; con- 
scientious in the discharge of his duties as a Christian minister, 
catholic in his principles and in his conduct, always taking an 
active interest in whatever concerned the prosperity of the town 
and the interests of religion, he was, for many years, the happy 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 47 

minister of a kind and an affectionate people. . . . He was 
extensively known by his 'History of Worcester County;' a 
work highly valuable for the facts it records, many of which 
would probably have been lost, had they not, with great pains 
and fidelity, been collected and embodied in this work." 

In a later work, after the death of Mrs. Whitney, Dr. Allen 
added : 

"Mrs. Whitney survived her husband nearly five years, and 
died at Quincy, while on a visit to her children, Jan. 10, 1821, 
aged seventy-nine years. All who knew Madam Whitney will 
bear testimony to her worth, and admit that she possessed, in 
no common measure, dignity of manners, sprightliness of mind, 
and goodness of heart. She was, indeed, a most pleasant 
companion and a most valuable friend. 

THEIR CHILDREN 

Thomas Lambert, born December 10, 1768; married Mary 
Lincoln, died June, 1812. 

Peter, born January 19, 1770; married Jane Lincoln; minister 
in Quincy; died March 3, 1843. 

Julia, born May 7, 1771; died February 16, 1772, 

Julia Lambert; born August 25, 1772; married Antipas 
Brigham, died November 29, 1800. 

Margaret, born February 12, 1774; married Josiah Adams, of 
Quincy, died February 3, 1849. 

Elizabeth, born September 6, 1775; married Ebenezer Adams 
of Quincy, died September 26, 1856. 

William Lincoln, born 1776; became a colonel; married 
Zilpah Eager, of Northborough, died July 24, 1834. 

Aaron, born August 11, 1778; went west and died there. 

Sarah, born November 3, 1781; married Lemuel Bracket, of 
Quincy, died in the winter of 1864. 

Abel, born May 23, 1783; died February 22, 1853, in Cam- 
bridge. 

John, born September 29, 1785; died January 2, 1850, in 
Quincy, where he had been teacher and merchant. 

III. JOSEPH ALLEN 

Peter Whitney died, as has been stated, February 29, 1816. 
Following the custom of the time in such matters, the pulpit 
was occupied by neighboring ministers for several weeks. No 
candidates were heard until July 7, when Joseph Allen occupied 
the pulpit. He evidently gave satisfaction to most of the 
people and no other candidate was invited to preach. It has 



48 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

been shown that on the two former occasions when the town 
was seeking a minister (1745 and 1767), a week-day pubUc 
service of "humiUation and prayer" was held, "to guide them in 
the important matter of settHng a minister." That customary 
service was dispensed with in the present instance, though an 
article in the warrant for August 26 called for one. On Septem- 
ber 9, in town meeting assembled, it was "voted to concur with 
the church in giving Mr. Joseph Allen a call to settle in the 
Gospel ministry in this town, 97 in favor and 11 against it," and 
at a salary of $600. The church had already passed a similar 
vote, twenty-seven to seven. 

Mr. Allen's answer to the call is dated September 28, and 
as it is the last answer of the kind to be made to the town it 
should have place in this history: 

MR. ALLEN'S ACCEPTANCE 
"7*0 the Christian Society in Northborough: 
"Brethren and Friends: — 

"The invitation you have given me to settle in the gospel 
ministry in this town has, I trust, received that deliberate and 
prayerful attention which the importance of the relation it con- 
templates ought to excite. 

"I feel deeply sensible of my need of divine direction, where 
interests so strong and lasting are concerned. From a con- 
viction that your Christian attainments and happiness no less 
than my own are intimately connected with the decision I am 
now called to form, it has been my devout wish and prayer, 
that I might be directed in the path of duty. 

"The great degree of harmony which has so long prevailed 
in this town — the evidence you have given of my general accept- 
ableness among you as a Christian minister, and my consequent 
hope and prospect of usefulness in the contemplated relation 
between us — the annual provision you have made for my support, 
when viewed in connection with the generous addition, which, as 
I have been informed is making by voluntary subscription, and 
especially with the pledges you have given, by past acts of 
kindness and generosity, of your readiness to afford all such 
further aids as circumstances may require — have been the 
principal motives, which have led me to the following decision. 

"In the presence of God, and with earnest supplications for 
his blessing, I do hereby cheerfully accept the invitation you 
have given me to become your pastor; and may what has been 
begun under so favorable auspices, end in our mutual everlasting 
benefit. 





REV. JOSEPH ALLEN, D.D. 
Minister of the Town 1816-32; Minister of the L'nitarian Church 1832-73 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 49 

"I should more cheerfully have formed this decision, had 
there existed a greater degree of unanimity in the invitation which 
led to it. But I am aware that a perfect union in sentiment on 
the speculative doctrines of Chirstianity, is very rarely found; — 
and I flatter myself that in the conscientious discharge of duty — 
by 'speaking the truth in love,' while 'I contend earnestly for' those 
doctrines and duties which my inquiries shall at any time lead 
me to embrace, as ingredients of 'that faith, which was once 
delivered to the saints,' 'I may be made manifest unto God, and 
I trust also in the consciences of you all', as contributing in some 
humble measure to the advancement of Christian Knowledge, 
and piety and charity. 

"My Christian friends, I look to you with confidence for 
your countenance and support while I continue faithful to my 
trust. I ask for a charitable construction of my motives — and, 
for a candid allowance for my imperfections; and especially, 
I entreat of you to be fellow-laborers with me in the vineyard 
of Christ, — to unite with me in all prudent and enlightened 
endeavors to promote useful learning and pure religion, — and 
finally to join your prayers with mine that I may obtain mercy 
of the Lord to be found faithful and acceptable and useful in the 
high and responsible station to which the Providence of God 
seems to call me; — that I may take heed to myself and to my 
doctrine; and that while I fail not to declare the whole counsel 
of God, I may never teach for doctrine the commandments of 
men, — that in short, when I come unto you, I may come to the 
fulness of your gospel of Christ. 

"Your friend and servant in the Lord, 

"Joseph Allen. 
"NORTHBOROUGH, Sept. 28, 1816." 

This interesting document discloses the fact that its author 
fully understood the duties of a Christian minister which he 
was about to assume, also, that the success of any minister 
depends upon the loyal co-operation of his people. 

COUNCIL AND ORDINATION 

At the same meeting to which the above acceptance was read 
a committee was appointed to confer with Mr. Allen concerning 
the ordaining council. They conferred, and together they 
selected "the following ministers with their delegates": 

Dr. Joseph Sumner, of Shrewsbury. 

Dr. Reuben PufTer, of Berlin. 

Rev. Asa Packard, of Marlborough. 

Dr. Aaron Bancroft, of Worcester. 



50 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Rev. Ward Cotton, of Boylston. 

Rev. Elisha Rockwood, of Westborough. 

Rev. Nathl. Thayer, of Lancaster. 

The College Church (Harvard) under the care of Doctors 
Kirkland and Ware. 

Dr. Sanders, of Medfield. 

Rev. Mr. Abbot, of Salem. 

Rev. Mr. Frothingham, of Boston. 

Rev. Mr. Damon, of Lunenburg. 

Rev. Peter Whitney,* of Quincy. 

All preliminaries being arranged the ordination took place 
on Wednesday, October 30, 1816, as follows: "being the eighth 
month and one day after the death of the Rev. Peter Whitney." 

Introductory Prayer: By Rev. Peter Whitney, of Quincy. 

Sermon : By Professor Henry Ware, of the Harvard Divinity 
School. 

Consecrating Prayer: By Dr. Kirkland, President of Harvard 
College. 

Charge: By Rev. Dr. Sanders, of Medfield. 

Right Hand of Fellowship: By Rev. Mr. Abbot, of Salem. 

Concluding Prayer: By Rev. Doctor Puffer, of Berlin. 

Among the delegates to the ordaining council, besides those 
already mentioned, were Dr. James Walker, later. President of 
Harvard College (he represented the College Church), and Levi 
Lincoln, later Governor of Massachusetts, who represented the 
Second Parish of Worcester. An elderly person, speaking to 
the author many years ago, said, "half of Harvard College was 
there." 

In those days when the minister was the town minister, i.e., 
engaged by the town, and his salary paid by the town, he held 
the position for life; and he generally lived to a ripe, old age. 
When a new one was engaged he was pretty sure to be a young 
man, without experience. Thus, Peter Whitney was only twenty- 
three when he was ordained in Northborough, and Dr. Park- 
man only twenty-one when he was ordained in Westborough. 
John Martyn was forty, and his "old" age was held as an objec- 
tion to his settlement. Dr. Allen was twenty-six at the time of 
his ordination. In every case the young applicant was put to a 
very severe test by the ordaining council, to see whether he 
were "sound in the faith." In this connection, the following 
statement by Dr. Allen will be read with interest, bearing in 
mind of course, that a similar statement might have been made 
(and doubtless was with variations), by every young minister. In 
a note appended to his twenty-fifth anniversary sermon he says : 

*Peter Whitney was a son of the former minister. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 51 

"In the presence of this Council the pastor-elect was called 
upon to give a summary of his theological views, and of the 
leading purposes and aims with which he entered the ministry. 
This not giving satisfaction to all the members of the Council, 
a great number of questions were put to him in relation to his 
faith, to each of which he endeavored to give an explicit answer, 
in accordance with the dictates of his conscience. It was a 
trying occasion, and one from which a young man would naturally 
shrink. But on most of the points on which I was questioned 
I had, as I thought, clear and definite ideas, whether true or 
false, and I was not ashamed to avow them, believing them to 
be in harmony with the word of God, and suited to have a 
propitious influence on those who should receive them. Besides, 
I knew that I was surrounded by friends, and I well remember 
how much I was encouraged and sustained by the benignant 
looks and kind words of that good old man (Dr. Sumner, of 
Shrewsbury) who presided over the Council. The result was, 
that one of the pastors (Rev. E. Rockwood, of Westborough) , 
and two delegates, Deacon Forbes, of Westborough, and Deacon 
Fay, of Berlin, voted against the ordination. Dr. Pufifer, of 
Berlin, declined voting, but took a part in the public services." 

In these days of frequent changes, when a minister hardly 
gets his carpets down before he is looking for a new parish, 
ordinations are an every-day occurrence, and attract little atten- 
tion beyond those who are immediately concerned. 

But in those early days, when a minister remained in one 
parish anywhere from forty to sixty years, the ordination of 
the new minister was a matter of general and enthusiastic 
interest. Again, observation by Dr. Allen on his own ordina- 
tion will serve to bring the importance of such an event to our 
attention. It describes not only his ordination, but with a 
change of names, all similar events of one hundred years ago. 
In the same discourse, already quoted, he says: 

"The interest pervaded the whole community, and extended 
into neighboring towns. Preparations were made for it on a 
scale of liberality, which seemed to imply that trouble and expense 
were of no account. To the inhabitants of Northborough, it 
was a day of Jubilee, such as had not occurred among them for 
nearly fifty years; and as might well be supposed it was antici- 
pated and welcomed with great joy. The day at length arrived; 
and it was one of those serene and mild days, that in our climate 
commonly intervene between the first frosts and the setting in 
of winter. Multitudes flock in from the neighboring towns. 
The church is filled in every part; and great numbers are unable 



52 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

to gain admittance. After the services are over, the great as- 
sembly disperses, and all find a welcome at the well-furnished 
tables that are spread for them in the houses of the inhabitants. 
The eagerness, with which the invitations are given and pressed 
even upon strangers, reminds one of Eastern hospitality." 

And in another discourse he says: "A sumptuous dinner was 
provided for the members of the ordaining council, at the house 
of Colonel William Whitney; while the wives of the ministers 
and delegates, and other invited guests, were handsomely enter- 
tained at the house of Dr. Stephen Ball." 

Dr. Allen does not say, but the Town Records do, (November 4» 
1816) that the town voted its thanks to Dr. Ball "for entertaining 
the ministers' ladies"; and to Stephen Williams, Esq., "for keep- 
ing horses and lodging part of the council at the ordination." 
Also, that it voted $109.69 "to sundry persons for entertaining 
the council, etc." 

The new minister occupied his pulpit on the following 
Sunday (November 3), and preached from the text, II Cor. ii, 6: 
"Who is sufficient for these things?" His congregation was 
large, for it was a mark of respectability to attend church in 
those days, being made up largely of "men in the prime of life 
mostly heads of families, and respectable in their appearance." 
We can well imagine that it was with considerable trepidation 
that the young minister faced his congregation, for he was a 
young man without experience, and they long had been accus- 
tomed to the well-seasoned thought and speech of his veteran 
predecessor. Speaking of his congregation at a later time he 
says: "It was oftened remarked by the ministers with whom I 
exchanged, and by strangers who visited us, that they had 
seldom seen a better looking congregation than at that time 
occupied these seats on the Lord's day." 

Thus began a ministry that was to last fifty-seven years. 
His service as the "town minister" did not cover that long period 
however — for many circumstances conspired to change the old 
order of New England church affiliations, and a new order was 
ushered in. All men can not be made to think alike on any 
question; and much less on the subject of theology. During 
the first third of the nineteenth century the theological waters 
were stirred to their depths; and when they subsided there were 
three churches in Northborough, where, before the stirring 
began, there had been only one* 

*This matter is discussed more fully under "The Northborough Baptist Church" and 
"The Evangelical Congregational Church." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 53 

The Baptist church came into existence in 1827, and the 
"EvangeHcal Church," in 1832. On the latter date the North- 
borough Meeting-house became the "Unitarian Church," and 
has since been known by that name. Dr. Allen, consequently, 
ceased to be the "town minister," and has no further place in 
this chapter. But, as he continued to be a dominant figure in 
the life of the town for many years thereafter, it seems better 
to continue the sketch of his life here begun, than elsewhere. 

Dr. Allen entered upon his pastoral duties with an enthu- 
siasm natural to a young man. He was immensely interested 
in education. And it was not long after his settlement that he 
embarked upon an educational crusade that was destined to 
make the schools of Northborough take rank with the best in 
the state. In after years he prided himself upon the large 
number of teachers the schools turned out. Edward Everett 
Hale once asked him "what proportion of teachers do your North- 
borough schools send out?" "All of them," he answered; "all 
of them." That is hardly an exaggeration, so far as the female 
students are concerned, for a large acquaintance with the women 
of this town will disclose the fact that practically "all of them" 
have taught school at some time in their lives. 

In 1817 he introduced a unique plan for the improvement of 
the children, which he continued in operation for ten or twelve 
years. This plan he called a "Lecture to the Schools," and was, 
as its name implies, an address to all the children of the town. 
It was given in the Meeting-house at the close of the winter term. 
The method of assembling the children was spectacular — 
which fact doubtless helped the children to keep up their interest 
in the plan. There were six district schools in town at that 
time. On the appointed day the pupils gathered at Munroe's 
Tavern where they were arranged according to their respective 
districts, each district being in charge of its teacher. Arranged 
thus, in procession they marched to the Meeting-house where the 
minister instructed them "in the way they should go." 

This plan was continued until about the time a new state 
law required all towns to provide a general school committee. 
This was in 1826. Dr. Allen was elected a member of that first 
school committee, and he was re-elected every year for fifty 
years, all of which time he was its chairman. During those 
fifty years he spent two solid years of his life in the schoolhouses 
of Northborough. 

He loved the children; and almost to his dying day he could 
call every child in town by name. The children loved him. One 
of the happiest days of his life was a day when all the children 



54 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

in town presented him a fur coat which they had bought with 
pennies they themselves had saved. He had received many 
tokens of appreciation throughout his long career, but none 
of them all touched his heart as did that love-token from the 
children. Text books were not provided by the town in those 
days, but by the pupils. This entailed considerable expense, 
especially upon those parents who had several children in the 
schools. It was a matter of common knowledge that Dr. Allen 
at his own expense furnished books to many children in order 
that they might remain in school. 

In years gone by, Northborough enjoyed a reputation all 
her own, for education, culture, and breadth of view. That 
sort of thing does not spring up of itself; it is not indigenous to 
the soil of any community. It must have some underlying in- 
spiration, some guiding force. And it cannot be gainsaid that so 
far as Northborough is concerned that inspiration and guiding 
force was the personality of Dr. Allen. Early in his ministry 
he began to lead the people into the pleasures and satisfactions 
of the intellectual life. 

With this end in view Dr. Allen, in 1827, gave a course of 
lectures on "Astronomy" in the town hall. These lectures met 
with a keen response on the part of the people, for they opened 
up to them a newer and larger world of intellectual life than they 
had ever known before. Those lectures proved to be the be- 
ginning of the "Northborough Lyceum," an institution which, 
for fifty years thereafter brought to the town the best platform 
orators in the country, who discussed every conceivable subject 
of interest. An open discussion, participated in by many keen 
and active-minded men, followed each lecture. 

The result was wholesome, for the men of this town soon 
developed the ability of thinking on their feet; and the town 
meetings of those days never lacked men who could discuss 
matters of local and national concern which were brought before 
them. 

Another direction in which Dr. Allen's activity manifested 
itself was the public library. Our present public library was 
not organized until 1868. But that was the logical outcome of 
several smaller libraries that preceded it,* with all but one of 
which Dr. Allen had much to do. 

But this sketch has already extended beyond its bounds, 
and must be drawn to a close. There is no question but that 
Dr. Allen for upwards of half a century was the leader of the 

*The subject of libraries is discussed more fully in a separate chapter, "The Northborough 
Free Library." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 55 

intellectual and cultural life of this town. His life touched the 
life of the community, directly and indirectly, at more points 
than can be enumerated. In educational matters he always 
occupied an advance position ; and it is the testimony of those 
best qualified to judge, that, had he followed the profession of 
education exclusively, he would have become an educator second 
to none in the country. 

But this sketch cannot be closed without a reference to his 
influence upon the physical aspects of the town. Northborough 
is known far and wide as a beautiful New England town on ac- 
count of her many shade trees. The thousands of automobilists 
that ride through our main street every summer have spread 
her fame in this respect broadcast. Even the inhabitants of 
the town are conscious of her superior beauty. But do we ever 
stop to consider to whom we are indebted for this physical 
beauty? I am afraid that we do not. 

"We boast the blessings we possess, 
Yet scarcely thank the one who sends." 

Dr. Allen records in his journal that when he brought his 
bride to Northborough (February, 1818), "there was not a shade 
tree between my house and the village." And he might have 
added, "and there were less than half a dozen on the main street." 

The author was speaking with a highly cultivated woman 
from Providence, a few years ago; and happening to mention 
Dr. Allen's name she burst forth as follows: "Dr. Allen! Dr. 
Allen! Why, he taught the people botany, and horticulture, and 
Christian charity!" There are many yet living who know that 
all the shade trees on our streets were set out either by Dr. Allen 
himself, or by those who were under his influence. His interest 
in horticulture was profound; as was also his interest in botany. 
His wonderful flower garden is one of the traditions of this town. 

GENEALOGY 

Joseph Allen was born in Medfield, Mass., August 15, 1790; 
died in Northborough, February 23, 1873. He was the son of 
Phineas and Ruth (Smith) Allen. He was graduated from 
Harvard College, 1811; was ordained in Northborough, Octo- 
ber 31, 1816, and was settled as minister of the town; held 
that position until 1832, when the church ceased to be the town 
church; continued as minister of the Unitarian church until 
his death in 1873, an unbroken ministry of fifty-six years and 
four months. He married Lucy Clark Ware, daughter of 
Professor Henry Ware, February 3, 1818. She was born in 



56 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Hingham, Mass., June 6, 1791, and died in Northborough, 
February 10, 1866. 

They had the following children : 

Mary Ware, born March 7, 1819; married Dr. J. J. Johnson. 

Joseph Henry, born August 21, 1820; married Anna M. Weld. 

Thomas Prentice, born July 7, 1822; married Sarah A. Lord. 

Elizabeth Waterhouse, born June 29, 1824; died July 15, 1893, 
unmarried. 

Lucy Clark, born October 28, 1826; married Albert E. P. 
Powers. 

Edward A. H., born August 15, 1828; married Eugenia S. 
Tenlon. 

William F., born September 5, 1830; married Mary T. 
Lambert. 



CHAPTER V 

NORTHBOROUGH IN THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WARS 

The only data concerning Northborough's participation in 
the early wars is contained in Dr. Allen's "History of North- 
borough." That "History" was written in 1826; and as Dr. 
Allen knew personally some of the men who participated in 
those wars, what he says concerning them is first-hand knowledge. 
And, as his "History" has long been out of print, and copies of it 
very scarce (we have been able to locate only three copies in 
this town), we have thought it advisable to reproduce verbatim 
what he says on the subject, that it might be more generally 
available On pages thirty-nine and forty he says: 

"Nothing has been found on record relating to the part 
which this town bore in the old French wars, as we have been 
accustomed to hear them called by our aged fathers. We 
learn, however, from the few who survive of the generation then 
on the stage of active life, that this small district was not back- 
ward in furnishing men to join the several expeditions, which 
were undertaken for the conquest of the French in Canada. 

"Eliphalet Warren, John Carruth and Adam Fay joined 
the expedition to Halifax in 1754. In the following year, Ben- 
jamin Flood and Eber Eager, the latter of whom did not live 
to return, were at Crown Point. In 1758, the following eight 
persons were with the army under General Abercrombie, at 
his defeat before Ticonderoga. Captain Timothy Brigham 
(now living and who retains a perfect recollection of the scenes 
he passed through in this ill-fated expedition), Eliphalet Stone, 
Samuel Stone (who died on his return), Benjamin Flood, Josiah 
Bowker, Samuel Morse, Gideon Howard, and Joel Rice. Captain 
Brigham says that the attack upon the French lines commenced 
at 5 o'clock, A.M. and lasted till 7 o'clock, p.m.; and that over 
1,900 of our men were missing at the calling of the rolls that 
evening. Capt. B. says that after this repulse, the army re- 
treated to Lake George, soon after which, the company to which 
he belonged (Captain Stephen Maynard's, of Westborough) was 
dismissed and returned home. 

"There is one man now living in this town, at the age of 88, 
nearly (Lieut. Abraham Monroe), who was at Halifax, in the 
regiment of Maj. Rogers, of Londonderry, N. H., in the year 
1757, and, at the taking of Ticonderoga under Gen. Amherst, 



58 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

in 1759, Mr. Monroe had there the rank of Ensign; and in the 
following year, received a Lieutenancy. He served in the 
regiment of Col. Saltonstall, of Haverhill; and at the departure 
of our army for Montreal, received orders to remain at the head 
of a detachment of men, for the purpose of completing the 
repairs of the fortifications at Crown Point. Lieut. Monroe 
continued at Ticonderoga till his discharge in May, 1763, under 
Capt. Ormsbury, or Amsbury, to whom the command of the 
fort had been committed. 

"Several other persons belonging to this town, whose names 
I have not learned, were in service at different times during the 
French wars, some of whom did not live to return." 



CHAPTER VI 
NORTHBOROUGH IN THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR 

The patriotism of Northborough is proverbial. She has 
always been foremost in taking an advanced stand on questions 
touching the national honor. Her voice has always, and early, 
been raised in protest against encroachments upon the nation s 
ri<^hts. She has always been jealous of those rights and zealous 
in" supporting them. The rafters of her old Meeting-house and 
her old Town Hall have many times rung with the eloquence 
of her debaters. Nor has she been content with patriotic words. 
She has, on every occasion, supported her words with deeds. 
We have, in the previous chapter, shown that, while still under 
the dominion of Great Britain she aided the mother country 
in her wars against France, in what are known as Ihe i^rench 
and Indian Wars." In this chapter we shall attempt to show 
that when the mother country began to treat her transatlantic 
colonies as undutiful children, and to exploit them for her own 
advantage without a thought for the rights of her children, 
those children, conscious of their rights, turned on their mother 
and demanded that she recognize them. 

Northborough did not lag behind other towns in this matter. 
As early as February, 1773, some of her citizens waylaid a pedler 
and burned his tea before his astonished eyes,* as a protest 
against what they considered the unjust tax which had been 
laid upon it. Up to that time their protests had been the mur- 
murings of an angry and dissatisfied people. But on ^larch 
22, of that year (1773) their grievances took on an otticial 
character. On that day, in town meeting assembled, the 
citizens of Northborough registered their pent-up feelings in 
the following votes : 

"The vote was put to see if the District would concur with 
the town of Boston, as the said town has stated the rights of the 
colonists at their meeting Oct. 28, 1772, and sd rights as then 
stated by sd town exhibited to this District by a printed pam- 
phlet sent to the Selectmen of this District. Passed in the 
affirmative. 

"The Articles are as follows: viz.— This District taking into 
consideration a pamphlet presented to them by order of the 

*See "The Northborough Tea Party." 



60 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

town of Boston, in which the rights of this Province are stated; 
and also, a list of grievances and infringements of those rights 
by Administration at home. After mature deliberation thereon 
came to following votes, namely: 

"1st. Voted, as the opinion of this District, that the rights 
of this people are very justly stated in sd pamphlet, and that 
ye grievances and infringements therein pointed out are real 
and not imaginary ones, as too many endeavor to insinuate. 

"2nd. Voted, as the opinion of this District that it is the 
indispensable duty of all men and all bodies of men to unite 
and strenuously to oppose by all lawful ways and means such 
unjust and unrighteous encroachments made or attempted to 
be made upon their just rights, and that it is our duty earnestly 
to endeavor to hand those rights down inviolate to our posterity 
as they were handed to us by our worthy ancestors. 

"3rd. Voted, that the thanks of this District be given to 
the town of Boston for this, their friendly, seasonable and 
necessary intelligence, and that they be directed to keep up 
their watch and guard against all such invaders and encroachers 
for the future. 

"4th. Voted, that Capt. Bezaleel Eager, Dr. Stephen Ball, 
and Mr. Timothy Fay be a committee to make answer to the 
Committee of Correspondence at Boston, informing them of 
the opinion of this District in this matter." 

The above action took place in 1773 — two years before the 
Battle of Lexington and Concord, and three years before the 
Declaration of Independence. Toward the end of that year 
it began to be rumored that a Provincial Congress was about 
to be held; and while the matter was yet in the rumor stage, 
Northborough, on January 9, 1774, "elected Mr. Levi Brigham 
a delegate to represent said District at a Provincial Congress 
whenever or wheresoever met." It was also "put to vote to see 
if the town would adopt and strictly adhere to the several 
resolves of the Continental Congress Association and Provincial 
Congress as represented to us in the public prints." It passed 
in the affirmative. And to make sure that those resolves should 
be "strictly adhered to," so far as their town was concerned, it 
chose the following representative citizens a committee "to 
inspect those persons who may violate those rules: 

Capt. Bezaleel Eager John Ball 

Dea. Paul Newton Samuel Wood 

Henry Gaschet Artemas Brigham 

Seth Rice, Jr. Gillam Bass 

Thaddeus Fay 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 61 

We do not know whether the word "preparedness" as we 
use it today, was talked of at that time; but the above vote 
proves that Northborough beHeved in it, and governed herself 
accordingly. 

The Provincial Congress was not held however, until Octo- 
ber, 1774; but when it was held it marked the end of Royal rule 
in Massachusetts. It, in itself, was a strong revolutionary 
measure, in that it was a revolt against the tyranny of the Royal 
Governor (Governor Gage) . Among other acts of tyranny, he had 
fortified Boston Neck; and the Provinicial Congress protested 
vigorously against it. It also protested against recent acts of 
Parliament, which the colonies regarded as unlawful. But 
perhaps the most significant act of that Congress was its author- 
ization of the enrollment of twelve thousand minute-men and the 
mobilization of a large quantity of ammunition and other 
military stores. Governor Gage in his turn, naturally protested 
against these acts, but no attention was paid to his protestations. 

In the meantime, August 24, 1774, a special and very urgent 
meeting of the town was called to act upon the following articles : 

"1st. To see if the town will appoint a Standing Committee 
of Correspondence to correspond with the town of Boston 
agreeable to the other towns in this County and Province, as its 
a measure that has had a tendance to serve to strengthen the 
Union of the Province & Colonies as much as any plan yet 
adopted. 

"2nd. To see if the town will take under consideration the 
letter lately received from the town of Boston voted at their 
last meeting. 

"3rd. To see what steps the town will take in regard to the 
persons that still refuse to sign the agreement; whether the 
town will choose a committee to wait on them and know whether 
they will sign or not, and set a certain time for that purpose, in 
order to make return to the Committee of Correspondence at 
Boston how many signers there are." 

This must have been a rousing, patriotic meeting — one that 
shows our revolutionary forbears at their best. They were 
roused to the highest pitch of enthusiasm; and it requires no 
stretch of the imagination to believe that the old Meeting-house 
rocked with an eloquence such as had never rocked it before. Of 
course they chose a "Committee of Correspondence"; and we 
append their names that the present inhabitants of Northborough 
may know them: 

Bezaleel Eager Levi Brigham 

Seth Rice, Jr. John Ball 

Gillam Bass 



62 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"It was proposed to the town [at this meeting] that we are 
determined to defend our charter rights and privaleges at the 
risque of our Hves and fortunes, and that the town desire the 
Committee of Correspondence to write to their brethren at 
Boston and inform them thereof." It is needless to say that 
the above proposal was quickly accepted. 

This was in August, 1774. The Provincial Congress was 
held in October following. In November, it was "voted to buy 
100 wt of powder, 300 wtof lead, and flints, 240." Here was no 
half-hearted, lukewarm patriotism. Nor was it a burst of 
enthusiasm which they regretted as soon as their ardor cooled 
off. Those men meant business. And the sequel shows that 
they supported their votes with their lives. 

Shortly after this, in the spring of 1775, a company of 
minute-men was organized, who forthwith began to drill that 
they might be prepared for any eventuality. They did not 
have to wait long for that eventuality — for on the nineteenth 
of April, at about noon, news of the Battle of Lexington arrived 
in town. Curiously enough, the minute-men were gathering 
at the time for the purpose of listening to a patriotic address 
by their minister. Parson Whitney, who, we shall show later, 
was in thorough sympathy with the spirit of the times. In- 
stantly their minds were made up. They repaired to their 
homes, bade good-bye to their families, and assembled at the 
home of their captain, Samuel Wood.* Here, their good parson 
commended them to the protection of God, in an earnest prayer; 
after which, to the sound of Joseph Sever's drum and Ebenezer 
Hudson's fife they started on their way to Boston. All this 
happened "within three or four hours" of the arrival of the news 
from Lexington. 

We append the names of those fifty men: 

THE MINUTE MEN OF NORTHBOROUGH 
Samuel Wood, Captain 
Timothy Brigham, 1st Lieut. Seth Rice, 2nd Lieut. 

Thomas Seaver, Ensign Oliver Barnes, Corporal 

Jethro Peters, Sergeant Levi Gaschet, Corporal 

Amos Rice, Sergeant Joseph Sever, Drummer 

Asa Rice, Sergeant Ebenezer Hudson, Fifer 

Abraham Wood, Clerk 
Joseph Allen Ezekiel Bartlett 

Reuben Babcock Zadock Bartlett 

John Ball Artemas Brigham 

*Captam Samuel Wood lived at the time at the corner of East Main and River Streets. 




THE CAPT. SAMUEL WOOD HOUSE— LATER THE SAMUEL SEAVER HOUSE 
Built before the Revolution, 1749-50 



"^-Mh^. 




OLD STAGE COACH 
The last to be used on the Xorthborough Line 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 63 

THE MINUTE MEN OF NORTHBOROUGH (continued) 

Abner Bruce Abner Maynard 

Jonathan Bruce Hollon Maynard 

Joseph Eager Levi Maynard 

WilHam Fay Alvin Newton 

Henry Gaschet Paul Newton 

Josiah Goddard Paul Newton, Jr. 

Solomon Goddard Joel Pratt 

Joseph Gold Joel Rice 

Asa Goodnow Joseph Rice 

Edward Goodnow Josiah Rice, Jr. 

Nathan Green Luther Rice 

Isaac Howe Nathan Rice 

Elijah Hudson Nathaniel Rugg 

Edward Johnson John Tenney 

Nathan Johnson Eliab Wheelock 

John Kelley Benjamin Wilson 

William Kelley John Wyman 

Thomas Kenney Samuel Wyman 

Dr. Allen in his "History of Northborough," written in 1826, 
records the interesting fact that, "of the fifty men belonging to 
this company, the following persons are now living in this town. 
Capt. Timothy Brigham, then the Lieut, of the company, Capt. 
Amos Rice, Mr. Isaac How, Mr. Joseph Seaver, Mr. Reuben 
Babcock, and Mr. Nathan Rice. Capt. Samuel Wood, the 
commander of the company, died Sept. 21, 1818, aged 75 years. 
He was present, and received a slight wound, at the Battle of 
Bunker Hill. The Ensign of the company was Mr. Thomas 
Sever, now of Townsend, in this state." 



THE MINUTE MEN OF NORTHBORO'* 
April 19, 1775 

'Tis noonday by the buttonwood, with slender-shadowed bud; 
'Tis April by the Assabet, whose banks scarce hold his flood; 

When down the road from Marlboro' we hear a sound of 
speed — 

A cracking whip and clanking hoofs — a case of crying need! 
And there a dusty rider hastes to tell of flowing blood. 

Of troops afield, of war abroad, and many a desperate deed. 



*This poem was written by Wallace Rice of Chicago, son of John Asaph Rice who was 
bom in Northborough. The poem is printed here by special permission of the publisher, 
Fleming H. Revell. It may be found in a volume entitled "Ballads of Valor and Victory." 



64 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The Minute Men of Northboro' were gathering that day 
To hear the Parson talk of God, of Freedom and the State; 

They throng about the horseman, drinking in all he should say, 
Beside the perfumed lilacs blooming by the parson's gate: 

The British march from Boston through the night to Lexington; 
REVERE alarms the countryside to meet them ere the sun; 
Upon the common, in the dawn, the redcoat butchers slay; 

On Concord march, and there again pursue their murderous way; 
We drive them back; we follow ofi; they have begun to run; 

All Middlesex and Worcester's up: Pray GOD, ours is the day! 

The Minute Men of Northboro' let rust the standing plough, 
The seed may wait, the fertile ground upsmiling to the spring. 

They seize their guns and powder-horns; there is no halting now, 
At thought of homes made fatherless by order of the King. 

The pewter-ware is melted into bullets — long past due, 

The flints are picked, the powder's dry, the rifles shine like new. 

Within their Captain's yard enranked they hear the Parson's 
prayer 

Unto the GOD of armies for the battles they must share; 
He asks that to their Fathers and their Altars they be true. 

For Country and for Liberty unswervingly to dare. 

The Minute Men of Northboro' set out with drum and fife; 

With shining eyes they've blest their babes and bid their 
wives good-bye, 
The hands that here release the plough have taken up a strife 

That shall not end until all earth has heard the battle-cry. 

At every town new streams of men join in the mighty flow; 
At every cross-road comes the message of a fleeing foe: 

The British force, though trebled, fails against the advancing 
tide. 

Our rifles speak from fence and tree — in front, on every side. 
The British fall: the Minute-men have mixed with bitterest woe 

Their late vain-glorious vaunting and their military pride. 

The Minute Men of Northboro' they boast no martial air; 

No uniforms gleam in the sun where on and on they plod ; 
But generations yet unborn their valor shall declare; 

They strike for Massachusetts Bay; they serve New England's 
GOD. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 65 

The hirelings who would make us slaves, themselves are back- 
ward hurled, 
On Worcester and on Middlesex, their flag's forever furled. 
Their's was the glinting pomp of war; our's is the victor's prize: 
That day of bourgeoning has seen a race of freemen rise ; 
A nation born in fearlessness stands forth before the world, 
With GOD her shield, the Right her sword, and Freedom in 
her eyes. 

The Minute Men of Northboro' sit down by Boston-town; 

They fight and bleed at Bunker Hill; they cheer for Wash- 
ington. 
In thankfulness they speed their bolt against the British Crown; 

And take the plough again in peace, their warriors' duty done. 

THE INFLUENCE OF PARSON WHITNEY 

It is a well-attested fact that the ministers of the colonies 
were, with few exceptions, heart and soul in sympathy with the 
revolutionary spirit of the time, and gave it an inspiration second 
to none in importance. And many an interesting story is told 
of the "fighting parsons," which lend a picturesqueness to the 
historical narrative of those times. Those parsons believed in 
God, and in the power of the Christian religion to regenerate 
the lives of sinful men. But they were men of influence, and 
resented any encroachments upon their authority, from whatever 
source. They thundered forth the law of justice from their 
pulpit thrones Sunday after Sunday, and held their people to a 
strict account for any infraction of that law. They could not, 
therefore, view with composure the increasing acts of injustice 
on the part of the British Parliament toward the colonies. Nor 
did they. 

Northborough was blessed with a minister who made the 
wrongs against his people his own. Rev. Peter Whitney was 
a "parson" of firm convictions and uncompromising will. He 
was quick to detect an act of injustice on the part of the 
government, and as quick to denounce it. Fortunately, two 
of his sermons of that period are preserved to us in printed form. 
They were preached on "Fast Day" in 1774, and dealt with 
"The Dark Aspect of Our Public Aftairs." One treats the subject 
on its political, the other on its moral and social side. Some 
observations he makes might be written today, so modern are 
they in their application. We quote a few passages: 

"The supposition of a divine hereditary right in some, to govern 
the rest, is glaringly absurd and groundless. God's setting aside 



66 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Saul and his family, and bringing David, the son of Jesse, to be 
the King of Israel . . . proves that such right cannot be 
founded on the Bible. And where can we go to find and prove 
this doctrine of the divine hereditary right of particular persons 
and families to rule and govern others, if not to the revelation 
from heaven." 

"Every wrong step in rulers may not proceed from a settled 
disposition to abuse their power and injure their subjects. But 
when they make use of their power and authority in a manner 
subversive of the end of their designation to ofifiice; when 
they encroach on the natural and constitutional rights of the 
people; when they trample on those laws, which were made, at 
once to limit their power, and defend their subjects; in such 
cases the people are bound not to obey them, but resist them 
as public robbers and the destroyers of mankind and of human 
happiness." 

The sermon then goes on to enumerate some of the wrongs 
which bore heavily upon the colonies. It mentions first, the 
large number of retired office holders, who, while rendering no 
services were drawing salaries — thus piling up the debt of the 
country, for the payment of which the colonies were unjustly 
taxed. Next, it makes these trenchant observations about 
"standing armies," which, it will be remembered, was one of 
the chief grievances of the colonies: 

"Further, a large standing army, consisting, perhaps of near 
a hundred thousand men in all parts of the British dominions, 
is kept up at an amazing expense to the state. Some under 
half pay, others under full pay; the higher officers have very 
great wages, while the soldiers have scanty allowance. This 
army is kept up to aid the civil power, it is pretended; but were 
the requirements of civil rulers just and reasonable, there would 
be no occasion of having recourse to the powers of the military, 
to coerce obedience. When measures are to be carried, and 
can be carried, only by force of the soldiery, and the terror of 
arms, it is proof abundant that they are unlawful and uncon- 
stitutional. For however there may be persons of a factious, 
licentious turn, yet the body of a people are disposed to obedience 
and submission from a principle of self-interest, if nothing else. 
They are disposed to 'lead quiet and peaceable lives.' When 
there arises general uneasiness and complaint among a people, 
it is a certain sign things do not go well in the state, and that 
the measures pursuing are not just, right and equal. A standing 
army kept up, as they always are, in idleness in time of peace, 
are the bane of religion, virtue and social felicity, and the nursery 
of the most exuberant growth of all kinds of wickedness and 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 67 

debauchery. This is a plan to fright people into a compliance 
with favorite measures, which the abettors are sensible mankind 
will not readily consent unto. And may it not be, because they 
are not just? 

"But to proceed. We, in this land, have seen and felt and still 
see and feel, the evils of a standing army posted among us in 
time of peace; sent hither to force or fright this people to comply 
with acts of the British Parliament, which are generally looked 
upon as unconstitutional and grievious; and they will probably 
be improved to force this people, if possible, to relinquish their 
chartered rights and liberties, which we hold by the plighted 
faith of former princes, and the Crown. 

"But enough has been said to show when government, 
instead of being a blessing becomes a scourge, and a punishment 
to a people." 

The words quoted above were spoken in 1774 while the war 
was yet in the rumor stage. Nor did he change his attitude 
after the war had really begun. The Battle of Lexington and 
Concord was fought April 19, 1775. On May 11, a public Fast 
Day, Mr. Whitney preached from the text (II Chron. xx, 11, 12): 
"Behold, I say, how they reward us, to come to cast us out of 
thy possession, which thou hast given us to inherit. O our 
God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against 
this great company that cometh against us; neither know we 
what to do: but our eyes are upon thee." On May 28, 1775, 
he preached from the text (Joshua v, 13, 14) : "And it came to 
pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and 
looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with 
his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and 
said unto him. What saith my lord unto his servant? And he 
said, Nay: but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now 
come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, 
and said unto him. What saith my lord unto his servant?" On 
July 9, he preached from this text (Ps. xliv, 5, 6): "Through thee 
will we push down our enemies; through thy name will we tread 
them under that rise up against us. For I will not trust in my 
bow, neither shall my sword save me." 

These sermons were never published; nor do they exist in 
manuscript. But judging from the texts, they were militant in 
a high degree, and quite in keeping with the strong words of 
the Fast Day sermon of 1774, and were well calculated to keep 
the patriotism of his hearers at a white heat. 

That they had that effect is attested by a vote passed in town 
meeting on June 3, 1776. Under Article II of the warrant it 



68 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

was voted: "If it be the mind of this town to be independent of 
Great Britain, in case the Continental Congress think proper, 
and that we are ready with our Hves and fortunes, if in Provi- 
dence called to defend the same. Passed in the affirmative." 

The Declaration of Independence was adopted in Phila- 
delphia, July 4, 1776. The above vote, passed a month before, 
shows that Northborough was in full sympathy with that 
momentous act. 

It was several days before the news of the adoption of the 
Declaration of Independence reached Massachusetts. But 
when the news did arrive, it goes without the saying that most 
ministers made it the theme of one or more discourses. On 
July 21, Mr. Whitney preached from two texts. Acts xvii, 26, 
and Deut. xx, 1 : "And hath made of one blood all nations of 
men, for to dwell on all the face of the earth; and hath deter- 
mined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habi- 
tation" ; "V\lhen thou goest out to battle against thine enemies, 
and seest horses, and chariots, and a people more than thou, 
be not afraid of them: for the Lord thy God is with thee." On 
August 1, he reverted to the subject again, using the text, 
Jeremiah xviii, 7: "At what instant I shall speak concerning a 
nation, and concerning a kingdom, to pluck up, and to pull 
down, and to destroy it." These texts speak for themselves. 
We can easily imagine the line of thought the preacher pursued. 
September 12 of that year, 1776, was a day set apart for 
publishing to the people the contents of the Declaration of 
Independence. On that occasion Mr. Whitney delivered a 
lecture which must have made the rafters of the Meeting-house 
shake with emotion. (This lecture was published.) His 
subject was "American Independence Vindicated"; and his 
text was what must have been a favorite text with all patriotic 
ministers during those stirring times: I Kings xii, 16, "So when 
all Israel saw that the king hearkened not unto them, the 
people answered the king, saying. What portion have we in 
David? neither have we inheritance in the son of Jesse: to your 
tents, Israel! now see to thine own house, David."* 

The preacher first rehearses in full the story of the revolt of 
the ten tribes of Israel against the arbitrary rule of King Reho- 
boam, and then proceeds to apply the story to the revolt of the 
thirteen colonies of North America against their mother country. 
He says: "We have just cause of complaint, and sufficient reasons 
to reject him as our King (George III), and to set up as free 
and independent states, saying, what portion have we in George? 

*The reader, in order to understand the full application of the discourse should read the 
entire twelfth chapter of I Kings. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 69 

neither have we inheritance in the house of Hanover; to your 
tents, O Americans, and now see to thine own house, George." 
He then enumerates twenty-six of the King's crimes, and pro- 
ceeds: "These are some of the acts and doings of George HI, but 
not all; we therefore cheerfully renounce him as totally unfit 
and unworthy to be our King and head; let them who like 
him take him and make the best of him. It is a pity that 
some way could not be discovered whereby the few in these 
states who appear peculiarly fond of such a King, might be 
transplanted to Great Britain there to participate in the fruits of 
his reign." 

The effect of such an address must have been electrifying 
upon his audience. And how different the attitude of the 
preacher from that of his father, the Rev. Aaron Whitney, of 
Petersham, concerning whom the following is told: 

Against Rev. Mr. Whitney, who had continued, both in his preaching 
and his praying to inculcate submission to the sovereign, the tide of popular 
indignation rose at length to a high pitch. The church was rent by dissensions, 
and public worship was neglected, till at length, about the close of 1774, 
the town voted that "they will not bargain with, hire nor employ the Rev. 
Mr. Whitney to preach for them any longer." Mr. Whitney attempted to 
open negotiations for a reconciliation with the people, but they refused to 
compromise with him, discontinued his salary, and finding that that would 
not cause him to desist from preaching, they chose a committee of ten on the 
24th of the next May, "to see that the public worship on Lord's day next, and 
all future worship be not disturbed by any person or persons going into the 
desk, but such as shall be put in by the town committee." In pursuance of 
this vote, an armed guard was stationed at the Meeting-house door on Sunday 
morning, who, when the minister arrived, and would have entered as usual, 
refused to allow him to pass. After this, Mr. Whitney preached regularly 
at his own house on the Sabbath, the services being attended by those who 
were politically in sympathy with him. 

From what has been said above, it is evident that the Whitney 
father and the son were not on the same side of the political fence. 
Peter Whitney was a patriot of the most pronounced type. His 
politics were bold, intrepid and straightforward. 

These extracts clearly show the source of the patriotic 
inspiration which the inhabitants of Northborough imbibed 
in those troublous times. There were many times during the 
progress of the war when it seemed as though the colonies had 
embarked upon an unsuccessful venture; but there can be no 
doubt but that such preaching as Parson Whitney's inspired 
them to continue their efforts to the end. 

We append a partial list of texts which were used by Mr. 
Whitney and the neighboring ministers with whom he exchanged. 
A perusal of them will clearly show the wonderful influence 



70 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

which that intrepid parson exerted upon the thought and action 
of his time, upon the moulding of public opinion, and upon the 
success of one of the greatest political movements of the world's 
history — the independence of America! 

1774. July 14, Fast Day, Proverbs xxviii, 2. 

1775. May 11, Fast Day, II Chronicles xx, 11, 12. 
May 28, Joshua v, 13, 14. 

June 21, Lecture by Sumner, of Shrewsbury, Haggai ii,7. 
July 2, sermon by Willard, of Boxboro, Acts v, 31, 

Habakkuk i, 12, 13. 
July 9, Psalms xl, 44: 5, 6. 
July 20, General Fast, Psalms Ixxx, 8 to end. 
August 27, Amos iv, 12, 13. 
September 3, same as above. 
September 17, Isaiah Iviii, 13, 14. 
December 10, sermon by Bowers, Psalms xxii, 28. 

1776. March 3, I Peter ii, 13, 16. 
April 7, same as above 

April 19, In memory of 1775, Isaiah viii, 9, 10. 

July 21, Acts xviii, 26; Deuteronomy xx, 1. 

August 1, Jeremiah xviii, 7. 

September 12, lecture for publishing Declaration of 

Independence, I Kings xii, 16. 
October 3, Sumner, of Shrewsbury, Joshua v, 13, 14. 

THE DRAFT 

Drafting men into the country's military service is no new 
thing. In the present year (1917), when President Wilson's 
"Draft Bill" was under consideration by Congress, considerable 
opposition to its passage manifested itself. The ground of the 
opposition was "the draft is unnecessary because a sufficient 
army can be raised by voluntary enlistments." History does 
not bear out that belief. In all the important wars in which 
our country has engaged it has been necessary to resort to the 
"draft." The term was first used in connection with the "War 
of 1812"; but the idea was employed during the "Revolution." 
While individual men were not conscripted, as. in the present 
war, towns were conscripted and were obliged to furnish a 
certain number of men at each conscription. 

Thus, as early as May, 1778, Northborough was called 
upon to furnish its quota. And by vote of the town (May 1, 
1778), "the Selectmen together with the militia officers were 
empowered to hire five men to go into the service." 

During the following summer (1779) the town was called upon 
to furnish seven men. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 71 

In June, 1780, the town was conscripted again for seven 



men. 



In July, 1780, the town was again called upon for seventeen 
men, "nine for the term of six months and eight for the term of 
three months." 

In every instance the town was obliged to pay the men whom 
it hired into the service, and it paid them willingly. But the 
currency was in a state of fluctuation at the time (generally of 
depreciation), and because of this fact the men never got what 
they thought they were getting. It thus became increasingly 
difficult to hire men into the service. 

On Christmas day, 1781, the town considered a resolve of the 
General Court for raising men to serve in the Continental 
Army "for three years, or during the war," and appointed a 
committee to give the resolve further consideration and make 
report at an adjourned meeting. That committee reported three 
days later (December 28, 1781). As their carefully considered 
report throws considerable light upon the financial conditions 
of that time, and as the action of the town concerning it shows 
that the town endeavored to treat its soldiers justly and fairly, 
we quote it in full : 

''To the Inhabitants of the town of Northhorough in Town 
Meeting Assembled by Adjournment on the 28th day December, 
A.D. 1781: 

"Gentlemen: Your committee appointed at a meeting of the 
town on the 25th instant, to consider the most salutary measures 
to be taken in order to raise your quota of men to serve in the 
Continental Army for the term of three years, or during the present 
war, having attended that service and would now beg leave to 
report. That whereas the fluctuating state of our paper currency 
has had, in our opinion, a very great tendency to discourage 
soldiers from entering into the service of these states, for, often- 
times, soldiers that we have hired thought that the town was 
generous to them when they entered the service, yet on their 
return home from the army it turned out very inadaquate to 
their expectations, the depreciation of the currency in the mean- 
time being so rapid: and add to this the many embarrassments 
government having been laboring under, by. which means 
they, in many respects were not able to fulfill their engagements 
to the soldiers with respect to their wages and clothing; for 
these, and many other reasons your committee might here 
mention, would now recommend to the town, that they pay 
their soldiers now sent for, as an encouragement, their wages 
in hard money at forty shillings per month, and quarterly; and 



72 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

that they give them as a hire twenty-one pounds hard money 
pr year, during their continuance in the service; and that they 
give them a sute of cloathes yearly — that is to say, one coat, 
one waistecoat, one pair woolen breeches, two pairs linen overalls, 
two shirts, two pairs stockings, two pairs shoes, a hatt and 
blanket — and that the soldiers on their part give the town their 
obligation, should they receive from the Continent, or state, 
any wages or cloathing, to return them to the town, or otherwise 
discount so much out of their wages aforesaid, and cloathing 
supplied them agreeable to the above. And we would further 
advise and recommend that the town would choose a committee 
in order to procure the above men sent for, and that the said 
committee be otherwise empowered to receive their obligations 
and give them theirs, in behalf of the town. All which your 
committee humbly submit. 

"Seth Rice, Jr. 

Timothy Brigham 

Samuel Wood \ Committee 

Jethro Peters 

GiLLAM Bass 

"Northborough, Dec. 26, 1781." 

It is to the credit of the town that it accepted the above report 
and immediately took measures to put its recommendations into 
efifect. But for some reason or other the men called for had 
not been procured at the time of the following March meeting. 
At that meeting a second resolve of the General Court was read 
"by which resolve the assessors and commanding officer of the 
militia in the several towns who had not raised their quota of 
men were empowered and strictly enjoined immediately to class 
their inhabitants in order to raise their quota of men sent for 
to fill up the Continental Army." 

The town acted favorably upon this resolve and "the in- 
habitants were classed into eight classes," and each class pro- 
cured one man for the purpose. 

In July, 1781, the town was called upon to raise five men. 
They were sent to West Point. Between July and September, 
one man was called for, and he was sent to Rhode Island. These 
six men were paid in "hard money." 

It thus appears that between May, 1778 and July, 1781, the 
town was conscripted for fifty men; which it raised and paid. 

But it was not only men that the town was conscripted for. 
In April, 1778, the General Court asked that the towns provide 
clothing for the Continental Soldiers. And Northborough, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 73 

true to her ideals, appointed a commmittee to raise its share of 
clothing. And in June it appropriated £140 to pay for the same. 

In November, 1778, the town appropriated £4 2s. for taking 
care of Benjamin Curtis, "a soldier who fell sick among us." 

In October, 1780, the town appropriated £6660 "to purchase 
beef for the use of the army." 

On December 11, 1780, the town appropriated £15,330 "to 
purchase a quantity of grain which the Selectmen engaged to 
the six and three months' men the summer past." 

On January 8, 1781, the town "Voted and granted the sum 
of £13,000 to purchase a quantity of beef for the use of the 
army." 

On May 17, 1781, the town appropriated £3300 "to pay 
for three horses the Selectmen provided for the use of the Con- 
tinental Army agreeable to a resolve of the General Court." 

On September 3, 1781, the town "Voted and granted the 
sum of £77, hard money, to pay for 3518 lbs. beef sent 
for by a resolve of the General Court of the 22nd June last, for 
the use of the Continental Army." 

In view of the above very generous expenditures the following 
item will be read with interest: "At a meeting of the town held 
September 3, 1781, "a resolve of the General Court of the 22nd 
June last, requiring a quantity of clothing for the Continental 
Army was considered, and the Selectmen mentioned to the town 
the purchasing or making the said clothing themselves. Where- 
upon it was put to vote to see if the town would grant money 
to purchase the same; and it passed in the negative." 

This is the only instance on record where Northborough 
failed to respond to the calls made upon her through the long 
and tedious years of the American Revolution. We could have 
wished that she had responded in this instance. But she surely 
might be forgiven for not having done so. We must remember 
that the town was only nine years old when the war began, and 
that its long continuance meant a constant and steady drain 
upon her resources. Like most other towns in the Colonies, 
she had no wealth except her land. Her loyalty to the cause of 
freedom was unquestioned. From 1773, when her young men 
disguised as Indians, burned the pedler's tea near the tavern in 
Shrewsbury, till 1784 when she "Voted and granted the sum of 
two pounds and eight shillings to pay for a gun Jno Maynard 
let the town have in the year 1775," she had shown her faith in 
the cause by her works. From her small population she had 
sent upwards of one hundred men into the military service. 
From her slender resources she had spent many thousands 



74 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

of dollars. And even on the day when she declined to furnish 
a quantity of clothing for the Army, she had appropriated $664.16 
in hard money, for purposes connected with the war, and which, 
everything considered, doubtless proved a cumbersome burden. 

Surely, Northborough's record is an enviable one. And it 
is only because of such unstinted patriotism and devoted loyalty 
to the cause of freedom throughout the colonies that the 
American Revolution was finally brought to a successful issue. 
Its cost was heavy and burdensome; but those who paid the cost 
believed it to be worth while; and our great, rich, powerful, 
liberty-loving nation today, fighting in the old world to bring 
about similar conditions there, fully justifies the faith of our 
revolutionary forebears. 

COST OF THE WAR FROM APRIL, 1775 TO JUNE, 1778 

At a town meeting held June 15, 1778, Article III of the 
warrant read as follows: 

"To see if the town will vote to make an average of the 
whole of the public cost that they have been at occasioned by 
the present war since the 19th of April, 1775 until this time, and 
all necessary cost that may for the future arise on account of 
sd war, each one to pay according to his estate, as in other 
taxes." 

Under this article it was voted: 1st, "To make an average 
agreeable to the first clause." 2nd, "To pay all cost that may 
for the future arise, agreeable to the second clause"; and 3rd, 
"To choose a committee to make an average of past service, 
&c." Chose for the committee: 

"Capt. Samuel Wood Lt. Amos Rice 

Jethro Peters Artemas Brigham 

Gillam Bass." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



75 



The committee made a careful investigation, and reported, 
June 29, as follows: 

"Account of services done personally in the Army and of cash 
advanced for carrying on the war, since the 19th day of April, 
1775": 

SERVICE CASH 





£ 


s. 


d. 


£ 


s. 


d. 


Dea. Jonathan Livermore 








25 








Capt. Bezaleel Eager 


12 








■25 








Ens. Josiah Rice 








15 








Gershom Fay 




















Seth Rice 








15 








Jacob Rice 








25 








Capt. Jesse Brigham 








15 








Timothy Fay 








25 








Thomas Goodenow 








10 








Samuel Gamwell 


3 








10 








Wd. Mary Holloway 











18 





Col. Levi Brigham 


27 


10 





10 








Wd. Lydia Warren 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Dea. Paul Newton 


14 








19 


12 


8 


William Badcock 








10 








Ens. Silas Rice 








12 








Jotham Bartlett 








30 


5 


7 


Samuel Allen 








31 


10 





Jonathan Bruce 


3 








25 








Joshua Child 








14 


1 





Joseph Muzzy 








10 








Benjamin Willson 


18 














Paul Fay 








34 








Jonathan Bartlett 


46 


12 


6 


18 








Dr. Stephen Ball 








35 








Josiah Goddard 


7 


7 





21 








Henry Gaschet 


25 


2 


6 


10 








Maj. Joseph Mixture 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Lt. Abraham Munroe 








39 


18 





Thaddeus Fay 


5 








23 


15 





Lt. Joel Rice 


1 





7 


22 


5 


4 


Ens. Timothy Brigham 


8 








10 








Samuel Gamwell, Jr. 


5 








19 


4 





Lt. Seth Rice 


9 


7 


6 


4 


1 





Solomon Goddard 


5 


7 


6 


16 








John Ball 


9 








28 


5 


4 


Artemas Brigham 








10 


14 


11 


Capt. Samuel Wood 


8 














Ens. John Carruth 





15 





15 








Lt. Amos Rice 


5 


5 


7 


7 


5 


4 


John Maynard 








10 








Antipas Bowker 


21 














Adam Fay 








25 








Jethro Peters 


3 








15 








Simeon Hill 








15 









76 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



SERVICE CASH (continued) 




£ s. 


d. 


£ 


s. 


d. 


Gillam Bass 








13 








Eliphalet Warren 


10 








13 


4 





Nathan Green 


3 


15 





15 








John Gamwell 





15 





16 


14 





Oliver Barnes 


3 


5 


7 


15 








John Taylor 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Thomas Billing 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Wd. Miriam Eager 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Silvanus Billing 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Josiah Bowker 








19 


4 


8 


John Wiman 


3 








21 








Isaac How 


12 














Jonah Brigham 








9 


15 





Samuel Townsend 








24 


5 





Hollon Maynard 








25 


5 


7 


Ebenezer Ball 








10 








William Brigham 








10 








Abraham Wood 


5 


5 


7 


15 








Joseph Eager 








6 


3 


9 


Asa Goodenow 








19 


9 


7 


George Smith 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Levi Maynard 


3 


7 


6 


15 








Josiah Rice, Jr. 


9 


5 


7 


9 








Jesse Wood 








9 








Joseph Seaver 


3 


7 


6 








Lt. Benjamin Wilson 


3 


7 


6 


12 








Jonas Badcock 


4 


5 





18 


6 


8 


Thomas Kenney 


3 








10 








Timothy Newton 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Joseph Allen 


21 


7 


6 








Ens. Jacob Adams 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Nathan Rice 


1 


2 


6 








Moses Newton 


8 


15 











Joseph Rice 


4 


10 











Reuben Badcock 


9 


12 


6 


10 








William Hagget 


12 














Wd. Abigail Eager 


9 














Luther Rice 


17 


7 


6 


10 


1 


8 


Paul Newton, Jr. 


12 














James Longley 


4 


10 











Eli Goodenow 


15 














Samuel Morse 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Susannah Ball 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


— 


Dea. Paul Newton's Adminsr. 








11 





7 


Calvin Rice 


19 















PROFITEERING AND PRICE FIXING 

War always entails much hardship upon a nation. All sorts 
and conditions of people feel its baneful influence. We of the 
present time are beginning to find that out, now that our country 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 77 

has entered the great World War and is making preparations 
(1917) to do its part toward "making the world safe for democ- 
racy." Already, we have begun to feel the pinch of the titanic 
struggle — in the increased and increasing cost of living; in heavy 
war taxes which are burdensome ; and in the scarcity of food and 
other important necessary commodities. In these matters, 
however, history is but repeating itself. Our revolutionary 
forebears suffered the same hardships that we now suffer. But 
their sufferings were greater than ours, for they were less able to 
bear them. 

In 1779, after the Revolution had been dragging along for 
four years, those sufferings reached the acute stage when it 
became absolutely necessary that measures be taken to relieve 
them. Distress, in Massachusetts at least, was well-nigh uni- 
versal. The currency had depreciated to such an extent that 
one never knew what his money was worth. Food and other 
necessaries of life had reached such exorbitant prices that the 
people could not purchase them. And the public credit had 
fallen to a very low ebb. Congress had made certain recom- 
mendations looking to relief from these direful conditions. But 
Congress had no power to enforce its recommendations. The 
town of Boston took the initiative in this matter (as it has in 
so many other relief measures, since then). It sent out invita- 
tions to every town in the state asking that delegates be sent to 
a convention to be held at Concord for the purpose of discussing 
ways and means of giving elTect to the recommendations of 
Congress. 

These invitations were accepted, and the proposed convention 
(composed of delegates from all parts of the state) was held at 
Concord, on July 14, 1779. It discussed the recommendations 
of Congress, and some other things of interest to Massachu- 
setts. It adopted a set of resolutions, extracts from which we 
quote, as showing the condition of the country and the spirit 
of those earnest delegates — which we may presume fairly rep- 
resented the spirit of the country: 

"As many of the respectable merchants and fair traders have 
retired from business, their places have been supplied by an 
augmented number of locusts and canker-worms, in human form, 
who have increased and proceeded along the road of plunder, 
until they have become odiously formidable, and their con- 
tagious influence dangerously prevalent: Therefore, Resolved: 
That such persons ought not to be admitted to bear a part in 
any mercantile consultation, but should be considered pesti- 
lential mushrooms of trade which have come up in the night of 
public calamity, and ought to perish in the same night. 



78 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"Whereas, regrators in the public markets, forestallers, en- 
grossers of the produce of the country, and higlers, have had a 
great share in depreciating the public currency by their per- 
nicious practices: Resolved, That all such persons are guilty of 
a dangerous opposition to the measures necessary to promote 
the well-being and prosperity of this country, and ought to be 
subjected to the resentment and indignation of the public, 
whether their conduct proceeds from a general disaffectation to 
public measures and the independence of these states, or from 
private motives of sordid interest. 

"Resolved: That whoever refuses to sell the surplus of the 
products of his farm, and retains the same to produce a higher 
price by means of an artificial scarcity, is very criminally acces- 
sory to the calamities of the country, and ought to be subjected 
to those penalties and disabilities which are due to an inveterate 
enemy." 

This is pretty vigorous language; but the situation doubtless 
justified it. Nothing can be more despicable than the cornering 
of foodstuffs in times of national calamity. 

A second state convention was held at Concord, on October 
12, and a county convention at Worcester, on August 11. Con- 
ventions in those days did something more than talk. They 
acted. The above-mentioned conventions sought to relieve 
the distressed conditions in the state by regulating the prices 
of foodstuffs. 

Northborough was very much alive to the situation; and as 
she had borne her part of the suffering, so also she had her 
part in all attempts to relieve the same. But if we may judge 
by a later vote of the town, we must conclude that the action of 
the Concord and Worcester conventions did not go far enough 
to meet her needs: for on September 13, she chose Thaddeus 
Fay, Jesse Wood, Lieutenant Abraham Monroe, Gillam Bass, 
and Captain Timothy Brigham a committee "to state the prices 
of articles in town not stated by the convention at Worcester." 

The report of that committee made September 20, is very 
interesting and we append it in full: 

"The committee appointed by the town at their meeting on 
the 13th inst. to affix prices to articles and mechanics' work, 
etc., not already stated by the conventions at Concord and 
Worcester beg leave to report that the within articles be not 
sold at an higher price after this day, nor mechanicks take more 
for their work than is herein specified, (viz.): 

Barley, 4 £ lis. per bushell. 

Malt that is ground. 5 £ 25. per bushell. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



79 



Good flaxseed, 5 £ 2^. per bushel 1. 

Potatoes, 185. per bushell. 

Turnips, 125. per bushell. 

White beans, 5 £ 25. per bushell. 

Salt pork, II5. per pound. 

Hog's fat, IO5. per pound. 

Fried tallow, IO5. per pound. 

Rough ditto, 75. 6d. per pound. 

Poultry, 65. per pound. 

Milk, 25. per quart. 

Live shoats, 45. per pound. 

Firewood, 3 £ 125. per cord. 

Winter apples of the best quality, IO5. per bushell. 

"Blacksmiths, for setting a shoe, 55.; and other work in pro- 
portion. 

"Shoemakers for making a pair of men's shoes, and finding 
thread and wax, 485. ; and other work in proportion. 

"Coopers, for a good heart barrell, 60s.; and other work in 
proportion. 

"Spinning, for spinning a double skain of linen yarn, 55.; and 
all other spinning in the usual proportion. 

"And all other tradesmen to pall in their work in proportion 
to the above regulation. 

"Horse hire, 3s. per mile. 

"N.B. The above articles are to be of the best qualtiy. 

"GiLLAM Bass, 
''Per order. 
"North BOROUGH, Sept. 20, 1779." 



"Then voted that a copy of the foregoing be posted up at 
Lt. Abraham Monroe's in Northborough." 

Thus Northborough, as early as 1779, became, or sought to 
become, her own food comptroller.* It does not appear from 
the records however, whether the attempt was successful or 
not. But considering the spirit of the people, born of their 
intense sufferings, we may assume that it met with some measure 
of success. But not a very large measure; for the regulation of 
prices is an economic question which cannot be settled by votes 
of towns or of conventions. History shows that all attempts to 
regulate prices in that way have proved abortive. 

♦This is interesting in view of the present situation. President Wilson has recently (1917) 
appointed Herbert C. Hoover national food comptroller, and he is grappling with the same 
conditions that confronted the country in 1770. 



80 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

THE NORTHBOROUGH TEA PARTY 

Is the story of the Northborough Tea Party an historical fact 
or is it merely a tradition? We cannot say with certainty, but 
we are inclined to believe it true. We first heard the story from 
the lips of Warren T. Bush, in December, 1895, at a reception in 
the town hall tendered to Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Gale. Mr. 
Bush was then an old man and he told the story with much pride 
as reflecting credit upon the patriotic ardor of our revolutionary 
forebears. He probably got the story from Dr. Allen who tells 
it with approval in one or two of his historical pamphlets. Dr. 
Allen got it from the Massachusetts Gazette, a newspaper 
published in Worcester. The story is as follows, in the issue of 
February 17, 1773: 

"We hear from Shrewsbury that one day last week a pedler 
was observed to go into a tavern there with a bag containing 
about 30 pounds of tea. Information of which being made at 
Northborough, about five miles distant, a number of Indians sent 
from the great swamp, or thereabouts, seized upon it and com- 
mitted it to the flames on the road facing said tavern where it 
was entirely consumed." 

We have made diligent search for corroboration of the story 
but without success. We can find no other reference to the 
incident. But that is not strange, for it was a small affair. A 
similar incident which occurred at Boston was on a much larger 
scale and was attended with several spectacular features. The 
latter incident, therefore, looms large in Boston's history, and 
justly so. Assuming the Northborough incident to be true 
(and we know of no reason for not doing so), the point we wish 
to make is, that the spirit in both incidents was the same. 
Furthermore, the Northborough Tea Party antedated the 
Boston Tea Party by about ten months, the former having taken 
place in February, the latter in December of the same year, 
1773. 

THE LOYALISTS 

The revolt against the mother country was an uncertain 
venture, and for a long time its success or failure hung in the 
balance. Everywhere there were those who were sceptical of 
the movement. Some hesitated long before declaring them- 
selves. Their loyalty to the Revolution was therefore suspected, 
and the towns took measures to apprehend them. Others were 
outspoken in their loyalty to the King. They fled the country 
and their property was confiscated. There were four such in 
Northborough — James Eager and his brother, John Eager, 
Ebenezer Cutler and Michael Martyn, sons-in-law of Captain 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 81 

James Eager. No reproach is attached to the names of the 
loyaHsts, for they but exercised their undoubted right to decide 
for themselves what form of government they beheved in. All 
that we can say is, they were short-sighted and faint-hearted. 

On June 23, 1777, the town appointed a committee "to take 
care and lay before the court the evidence which may be produced 
against the persons in Northborough which are looked upon by 
said town as inimical to this and the United States of America 
agreeable to a late act directing the same. Then was a list 
presented to the town of the names of persons supposed to be 
inimical and were judged so to be by said town, and voted that 
their names be returned by the town clerk to such justices as 
are proper to try the same. The list of the names of the persons 
are John Taylor, Thomas Billings, Sylvanus Billings, James 
Eager, John Eager and Widow Miriam Eager." 

The ''Massachusetts Spy" informs us that some of those 
men were confined to their farms. That method of detention 
was more or less general throughout Massachusetts. 

One of those men, Sylvanus Billings, found it irksome to be 
confined within the narrow limits of his farm, and unpleasant to 
have his loyalty suspected; and in December of that year he 
petitioned the town "for a reconciliation," and asked "to be 
restored to favor and friendship." But the town was obdurate 
and refused to grant his petition. 

Nothing more is heard of the matter until May 17, 1781, 
when Mr. Billings renewed his petition to the town: 

"To the Gentlemen Selectmen and Committee of Corres- 
pondence for the town of Northborough, the petition of Sylvanus 
Billings humbly showeth, that he is desirous to settle with this 
town, and is willing to confess his faults; he owns that he has 
been backward and unfriendly in not defending this country 
against the British Power; he owns that he was unfriendly in 
not bringing Caleb Green to justice who was a notorious villain 
and an enemy to his country; to this, and all other of his faults 
in this matter, he is heartily sorry for, and humbly asks forgive- 
ness of the good people of this town, and so is willing to submit 
to a peaceable and reasonable settlement; he desires you would 
hear his petition and take it into your wise consideration and 
restore him to friendship again as in duty bound shall pray. 
This from your most obedient and well-wishing friend who 
promises in future to be a good member of society. 

"Sylvanus Billings. 
"March 23, 1780." 



82 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



This change of heart on the part of Mr. BilHngs, and his 
wilHngness to atone for his lack of patriotism was evidently- 
sincere; but there were some citizens of the town who were as 
yet unwilling to grant him full forgiveness, and they were success- 
ful in having consideration of the petition postponed to a future 
meeting. But at an adjourned meeting, May 28, they were 
unable to defer the matter any longer (though they tried hard 
to do so), and by vote of the town, the petition was granted, and 
Mr. Billings was restored into the good graces of the town. 

That the forgiveness of the town was as genuine as was Mr. 
Billing's contrition is shown by the fact that, within two years 
Mr. Billings was elected to the important office of surveyor of 
highway's and collector of highway taxes. 

That the town was in earnest in dealing with those who were 
not in sympathy with the revolutionary movement is shown by 
a vote passed on March 2, 1778, granting "the sum of ten pounds 
to pay the Hon. Levi Lincoln for pleading the cause of the town 
against the inimical persons thereof at a special court." 

NORTHBOROUGH MEN IN THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION 

Note. — This list includes the company of Minute-men given on another 
page. One hundred and twenty-four in all. 



Ephraim Allen 
Joseph Allen 
Jonas Badcock 
Reuben Badcock 
Robert Bailies 
John Ball 
Oliver Barnes 
Ezekiel Bartlett 
Jonathan Bartlett 
Zadok Bartlett 
Antipas Bowker 
Gideon Bowker 
Josiah Bowker 
Benjamin Bragg 
Artimas Brigham 
Ebenezer Brigham 
Gardner Brigham 
Levi Brigham 
Eber Brigham 
Timothy Brigham 
Winslow Brigham 
Abner Bruce 
Jonathan Bruce 
Henry Gaschet 



Joseph Buckman 
Josiah Carruth 
William Carruth 
William Clare 
John Colston 
Jonathan Conn 
John Cook 
James Cutting 
Jonas Cutting 
Bezaleel Eager 
Joseph Eager 
Oliver Eager 
Drury Fairbanks 
Josiah Farrar 
Adam Fay 
Asa Fay 
David Fay 
Moses Fay 
Timothy Fay 
William Fay 
Cato Freeman 
James Gamwell 
John Gamwell 
Thomas Keene 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



83 



Levi Gaschet 
Garner Goddard 
John Goddard 
Josiah Goddard 
Josiah Goddard, Jr. 
Levi Goddard 
Moses Goddard 
Solomon Goddard 
Joseph Gold 
Asa Goodenow 
Edward Goodenow 
Eli Goodenow 
Nathan Green 
Joel Hager 
James Hart 
Silas Hastings 
Stephen Hayward 
John Horn 
Gershom How 
Isaac How 
John How, 1st 
John How, 2d 
Ebenezer Hudson 
Elijah Hudson 
Ezra Hudson 
Edward Johnson 
Nathan Johnson 
Nathan Rice 
Seth Rice 
John Robinson 
Elijah Ross 
Nathaniel Rugg 
Caleb Segers 
Joseph Seaver 
Thomas Seaver 
Daniel Tenney 
Gideon Tenney 
John Tenney 



John Kelley 
William Kelley 
Thomas Kenney 
Thomas Keyer 
James Longley 
John Monis Martyn 
Abner Maynard 
Holland Maynard 
Levi Maynard 
Samuel Morse 
Alvin Newton 
Moses Newton 
Paul Newton 
Paul Newton, Jr. 
Jethro Peters 
Joel Pratt 
Adonijah Rice 
Amos Rice 
Asa Rice 
Calvin Rice 
Eben Rice 
Elisha Rice 
Ezra Rice 
Joel Rice 
Joseph Rice 
Josiah Rice, Jr. 
Luther Rice 
Daniel Warren 
Eliphalet Warren 
John Wesson 
Eliab Wheelock 
Benjamin Wilson 
Ephraim Wilson 
Reuben Wisman 
Abraham Wood 
Samuel Wood 
John Wyman 
Samuel Wyman 



CHAPTER VII 

THE WAR OF 1812 

There is no item of any kind on our town records relative to 
Northborough's participation in the War of 1812. 

We learn from other sources, however, that a company of 
forty-five men was raised in Westborough, Northborough, and 
vicinity, and that it did service in Boston from September 8 to 
October 30, 1814. This company was captained by Pierpont 
Brigham, and was attached to Lieutenant-Colonel S. Town's 
Regiment. 

As knowledge of these facts is not easily accessible we append 
the names and rank of the full company: 

OFFICERS 

Capt. Pierpont Brigham 

Lieut. Charles Parkman 
Sergt, Elijah Morse Corp. Otis Brigham 

Sergt. Elias Forbes Corp. Nathaniel Brigham 

Sergt. Asa Godfrey Corp. Jesse Rice 

Sergt. Eli Chamberlain Corp. Ephraim Maynard 

Musician, John Warren Musician, Newell Bellows 

Musician, Horace Kendall Musician, John Rice 



PRIVATES 



John Andrews 
Bayley Bird 
Barnum Blake 
John Bowman 
Benjamin Brigham 
Dexter Brigham 
Joseph Brigham 
Samuel Brigham 
Edward Chamberlain 
Jason Chamberlain 
Elihu Fay 
William Fay 
Nahum Fisher 
Levi G. Glover 
William Goodenow 



Joseph Green 
Dana Harrington 
Eli Harrington 
Luther Hawes 
Samuel Kendall 
Ebenezer Maynard 
Moses Gill Maynard 
Silas Maynard 
Rodolphus Miller 
Thomas Morn (Morse?) 
Jonas Sibley 
Abijah Stone 
Thomas Stone 
Willard Warren 
Russell Wesson 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 85 

Of the above company the following men were from North- 
borough : 

John Andrews, Corporal Nathaniel Brigham, William Fay, 
Luther Hawes, Jonas Sibley. 

Asa Godfrey, was taxed in Northborough in 1808 and pre- 
sumably lived here when this company was organized. 

Ebenezer Maynard, was taxed in Northborough in 1804 to 
1806, and presumably lived here at the time. 

Corporal Jesse Rice. His father moved to Northborough 
from Westborough in 1808, but it is not known whether Jesse 
came with him or not. 

Presuming that the last three men lived in Northborough at 
the time the above-mentioned company was raised, it appears 
that the town of Northborough sent eight men into the "War 
of 1812." 



CHAPTER VIII 

EARLY SCHOOL HISTORY 

The early history of the Northborough schools is very 
interesting. It goes back to the year 1726 while Northborough 
was still part of Westborough. A stringent law of the Province 
(passed in 1701) required every town having fifty householders 
to support a schoolmaster, and it meted out drastic punishment 
to them if they did not do so. By 1726 the number of house- 
holders in Westborough having reached fifty or more, the 
town took measures to comply with the school law. A committee 
chosen for that purpose made choice of a certain Joshua Town- 
send of Brookfield, who contracted to teach "six months in three 
different sections of the town for eighteen pounds." And as 
the present town of Northborough was one of the "three sections" 
of Westborough at that time, we are able to fix upon Joshua 
Townsend as the first schoolmaster of Northborough. He 
continued as our schoolmaster for at least a dozen years. 

Townsend married Mercy Rogers in 1730, and this event 
seems to have made him a fixture in this locality (as marriage 
has made so many teachers "fixtures" in many localities). 
Later he took up his residence in the north district, having 
purchased the estate known as the "Brewer Place" on the road 
to Berlin, and now occupied by Mrs. Lucy Wilson. In May, 
1746, we find him to be one of the ten men who organized the 
Northborough church. In 1749 he was one of the precinct 
assessors. Soon after this date, in 1756, he became a member 
of the Episcopal church in Hopkinton (or said he did; though 
we believe his name does not appear on the church book), and 
protested against payment of his ministerial taxes, here. He 
drops out of sight about this time and it is presumed that he 
moved away from town. 

It is not possible to obtain a complete list of the names of 
our school-teachers before 1814 for the reason that no records 
were kept. The meagre information that the author has been 
able to gather has come to him quite incidentally. Mr. Town- 
send's probable successor was a man named William Jenison. 
We learn this from an original letter which he sent to Lieutenant 
Edward Baker (one of the selectmen) asking that he be paid his 
salary, for, he says, "I shall have need of what I can get in an 
honest way to answer my intentions." This was in 1742. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 87 

How long Mr. Jenison remained as schoolmaster is not 
known, nor how many successors, if any, he had between that 
date and 1766. 

Westborough had no schoolhouse until about the time, or 
soon after, its second precinct had been set off and incorporated 
under the name of Northborough. In the meantime, school 
was kept in private houses, the schoolmaster teaching two 
months each year in each of the three districts. 

The separation of the precinct from the parent town was 
completed in 1766. And from that date Northborough went its 
way as a separate town. From its very beginning as a 
town, Northborough has been interested in education. 
"A lawful school for the ensuing year" seems to have been a 
desideratum of the new town from the date of its incorporation. 
At its first town meeting, in March, 1766, no action was taken on 
schools. But a month later, on April 1, "It was put to vote to 
see if ye district would provide a reading and writing school- 
master." The vote passed in the affirmative. "It was then put 
to vote to see if ye district would choose a committee to provide 
schoolmg." This vote also was passed in the affirmative. The 
meeting then chose as its first school committee, Jesse Maynard, 
Seth Rice, Jr., and Lieutenant John Martyn. The committee 
made choice of Thomas Goodenow for schoolmaster. Mr. 
Goodenow was an inhabitant of the town who lived on the place 
now owned by Theodore Woodward. There evidently was no 
"dead line" in the teaching profession in those days beyond which 
one was considered too old to teach, for Thomas Goodenow was 
fifty-seven years of age and was serving that year as town 
assessor. The school was kept twenty-seven weeks that year, 
during most of which time the schoolmaster "boarded himself.'' 

In the years 1768 and 1769, Mr. Goodenow was paid 16s. 
and 185. for "boarding the schoolmaster," so we conclude that 
the exacting details of a schoolmaster's life were no longer 
congenial to him, and that he had withdrawn in favor of a 
younger man. 

Northborough, time and again, has anticipated state legislative 
action lookmg toward the improvement of our public schools. 
In 1789 an act was passed by the General Court requiring towns 
to be divided into districts in order that children in all parts of 
the town might be equally accommodated. Twenty years 
before this, in 1769 (November 20) the Northborough town 
meeting "Voted and chose a committee to divide the town into 
squadrons (another term for school districts) so that each part 
may have their proportion of schooling." 



88 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



The committee attended to the duties assigned them and on 
March 5, 1770, made the following report: 

"We, the subscribers, being chosen a committee to divide 
the town into parts, or squadrons, for the keeping of the school, 
having viewed the situation of the town and each particular, 
family or house, have come to the following conclusion, viz.: 
that the district be divided into four parts, or squadrons, and 
the persons hereinafter named, to be the first squadron: 



"First Squadron 



Dea. Jonathan Livermore 
Josiah Bowker 
Thomas Taylor 
Mary Holloway 
Elizth. Ball 
Thomas Billings 
Paul Fay 
Silas Rice 
Jonathan Bartlett 
Benja. Wilson 
Silva^- Billings 
Ephraim Bowker 



John Ball 
John Taylor 
Nathan Green 
Eben^- Ball 
Asa Rice 
Saml. Townsend 
George Smith 
Antipas Bowker 
Joseph Eager 
Joseph Mazzy 
Josiah Bowker, Jr. 
Susannah Ball 



"For the Second Squadron 
Bezaleel Eager Joel Rice 



Seth Rice 
Jacob Rice 
Timothy Fay 
Josiah Rice 
Miriam Eager 
Stephen Tenney 
Stephen Ball 

"For the Third 

Capt. Jesse Brigham 
Thomas Goodenow 
Levi Brigham 
Jothan Bartlett 
Saml. Allen 
Jon^- Bruce 
Henry Gaschet 
John Martyn 
Richard Martyn 
Timo. Brigham 



Isaac Tomblin 
Amos Rice 
Martha Warren 
Seth Rice, Jr. 
Joshua Child 
John Kelley 
Daniel Tenney 

Squadron 

Saml. Wood 
Artemas Brigham 
Oliver Barnes 
Thos. Seaver 
William Hawkins 
Jesse Wood 
Jethro Peters 
Antipas Brigham 
Levi Gaschet 
Michael Martyn 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 89 

"For the Fourth Squadron 

Rev. Mr. Whitney Josiah Goddard 

Pelatiah Rice Thad®- Fay 

Gershom Fay Samuel McAllister 

Samuel Gamwell Solomon Goddard 

Thomas Warren Sam'l Gamwell, Jr. 

Jesse Maynard «- Adam Fay 

Wm. Badcock Eliphelet Warren 

Dea. Paul Newton Lemual Maynard 

John Carruth, Jr. Levi Maynard 

John Gamwell Gideon Hayward 

John Goddard Benja. Fisk 

David Fay Nath'l Fay" 
Nathan Carruth 

The above report was accepted and its recommendations 
adopted. 

These four divisions were known respectively as the west, 
south, east and north squadrons. 

This doubtless proved a very convenient arrangement, for 
each child knew to which district he belonged, and when school 
in his district would keep. Teaching was carried on as before — 
the master boarding in the respective districts during the term 
of his service. 

The schoolmaster for the years 1770 and 1771 was a Mr. 
John Molton; for the year 1772 there were two — a Mr. Curtis 
and a Mr. Houghton; in 1773, and for several years thereafter, 
a Mr. James Hart. 

By the year 1780 the number of children in the town had 
increased to such proportions that they could no longer be 
accommodated in private houses, and in March of that year 
"it was voted to build a schoolhouse in each squadron, on the 
town cost, 18 feet square." To defray the cost of these first 
schoolhouses a grant of four thousand pounds was made. 
When the bill for the house in the south squadron was presented 
and allowed, two years later, it was found that the committee 
had expended only £40 I85. 4:d. Hence it was "Voted the 
three houses in the other districts be sett at the same price." 
This makes an expenditure for the four bulidings of only £163 
I3s. 4:d., a signal instance of a public building being built within 
the appropriation. Whether this were an exemplary building 
committee, or the currency had materially fluctuated within those 
two years does not appear ; very probably the latter. 

These first schoolhouses were located as follows: The East 



90 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

School was on Maple Street, at what we now know as Bailey's 
Corner. It stood a few feet back of Mr. Bailey's carpenter shop, 
on the left hand side of the road, going toward Bartlett's Pond. 
Later, a new house was built farther down the road on what is 
now the Frank Codd place. 

The South school stood on the Plains road, a few hundred 
feet beyond the Picard place, on the left-hand side of the road 
going toward Westborough. A second house was built near the 
site of the first. This second house was built of brick and is 
well remembered, it having been taken down only about a 
dozen years ago. 

The North school stood in what is now a wood lot, on the 
right-hand side of the old road that goes by and beyond the 
Edwin S. Corey place. It is difficult now to locate the exact 
site on which the house stood, it is so overgrown with brush. 
The author visited the place not long ago in company with 
Mrs. Lucy Wilson. Mrs. Wilson is eighty-seven years old, and 
as a child attended school in the old building (a second house 
which was built in 1792 on the original site). As she has always 
lived in the neighborhood she remembers the place very well 
and was able to point out the exact spot on which the school- 
house stood. Another house for the North school was built 
later, on the right-hand side of the Berlin road, a few hundred 
feet beyond the Corey farm. This house was built of brick 
and is still standing, and is now a tenement house. 

The West school has had three locations, the original one 
being on the Ball Hill road, on the left-hand side and directly 
at the bend of the road a little beyond what is still known as the 
"Nathan Green Farm." The place is now owned by Mr. Pond. 
A second house was built in 1795 in an entirely new location, 
in what is now Mr. King's pasture, on the Boylston road, and 
a few feet beyond Mr. King's house. The corner-stone of this 
house may still be seen — directly opposite the bars opening into 
the pasture, and about twenty feet back therefrom. In 1837 a 
new house was built in yet another location, on the corner of the 
Boylston road just this side of the King place. This building 
burned down, and was replaced by a brick one in 1847, which is 
still standing though not occupied. 

TWO NEW SCHOOL DISTRICTS 

The west district covered a large territory and included a 

1 arge number of children. The inhabitants of Ball Hill and 

vicinity were becoming dissatisfied. They wanted a school of 

their own; and in 1795 when it became necessary to build a new 

house in the district, they made an attempt to get one. The 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 91 

attempt was futile however; but they put up such a good argu- 
ment that the voters of the town recognized the justness of their 
claim to the extent of setting aside five dollars of the west 
district apportionment of school money. The vote reads 
"that the committee-man who shall be chosen to provide schools 
in the west district shall lay out five dollars annually of the 
school money belonging to said district to hire a woman to teach 
a school at Mr. John Ball's, or some other place on the hill, so- 
called." Two years later, and for several years afterwards, one 
third of the west district's apportionment was reserved for this 
purpose. 

The above-mentioned vote is interesting for two reasons: 
First, it shows the humble beginning of what afterwards became 
a full-fledged school district; and second, it marks the introduc- 
tion of female teachers in our public schools. 

This arrangement seems to have met the needs of "the people 
on the hill" for awhile; at least they remained quiescent. During 
this time their school was kept in the "schoolhouse by Mr. 
Nathan Green's" (which, as has already been said, was the 
original schoolhouse in the west district). A new house was 
built in 1812 on or near this site. 

This new building seems to have aroused the ambitions of 
the Hill people anew. They were an appendage to the west 
district. They desired independence; and with their usual 
persistency they fought for it — successfully too, for on April 19, 
1813, they had the extreme gratification of assisting the town in 
passing the following vote: "To choose a committee of five from 
the West school district to divide said district, and make their 
report at May meeting, and report their opinions how much 
money they ought to have for schooling to make them equal 
with the other parts of the town." How better could they cele- 
brate the Battle of Lexington and Concord than by taking 
this important step toward their own independence? Their cup 
of joy was full to overflowing two weeks later (May 2, 1813, to 
be exact) when the town accepted the report of this committee 
which recommended that the west district be divided and that 
the Ball Hill part of it be a free and independent school district. 

This new district, dating its independence from 1813, had a 
more or less successful career for twenty-four years. But in 
1837, the number of pupils having greatly diminished, the 
winter session of the school was merged with that of the west 
district. 

From this time on, the Ball Hill school had a constantly 
diminishing life. In 1848 it had thirteen pupils; in 1854 it had 



92 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

twenty; in 1856-57 the school committee recommended that it 
be discontinued; in 1858-59 it is not even mentioned in the 
school records. It continued its existence until 1868 when it 
was completely merged with the west district. 

Some time after 1840 the schoolhouse was moved to the top 
of the hill, about half way between the Richardson and Stearns 
estates. It was finally sold and moved to Berlin, 

THE CENTER DISTRICT 

The Center school district was established in 1811, having 
been set off from the east district, which at that time, and for 
some years previously, had grown to large proportions. A 
house was built for it on a piece of land donated by Captain 
Samuel Wood, who lived at the time in the old house on the 
corner of East Main and River Streets. This schoolhouse is 
still standing and is the middle one of the group of three small 
houses just this side of Mr. Alfred Thomas's mansion. 

This school continued to grow from the time it was organized. 
In 1822 it had seventy-eight pupils — more than any other school 
in town. In 1828 it had one hundred and one pupils and the school- 
house was already too small for their accommodation. In 1836 
a vigorous effort was made to get a new building; but the effort 
failed. The following year another effort was made; and, as 
was customary on most occasions when a new schoolhouse was 
asked for, a committee was appointed "to investigate the whole 
matter of schooling." This committee made a careful exami- 
nation, and in their exhaustive report, used these words (which are 
as true in 1920 when we are trying to get a new high school 
building as they were in 1837) : "But in order to have good schools 
it is deemed highly important that we should have good school- 
houses." This report was a strong one and closed by recom- 
mending a new building. It had its desired effect, for the 
town immediately accepted it, and chose Cyrus Gale, William 
Seaver, and Eben D. Blake a committee "to build a new house in 
District No. 1." 

This new house was erected in 1837, and was the most pre- 
tentious school building that the town had ever built. It is 
still standing, and is the present 

GRANGE HALL 

As it is one of the old buildings of the town in which all of 
our people take just pride, it is not out of place at this time to 
tell the story of its erection. This story is so well told in the 
report of the building committee that the report is quoted in 
full: 




GRANGE HALL SINCE 1895 
Before that date it was the Center School, built 183; 




THE HUDSON STREET SCHOOL, BUILT 1895 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 93 

"NoRTHBOROUGH, March 5, 1838. 

"The committee appointed by the town in April last to build 
a schoolhouse in District No. 1, and to dispose of the old one, 
have performed the duty assigned them and report: 

"That in July the District purchased a spot for the new house 
at their own expense, and your committee immediately com- 
menced their work; and after examining the situation, concluded 
to alter their first design in one respect; believing the declivity 
of the ground would oblige them to expend nearly as much in 
preparing a proper foundation for the building and leveling up 
around it as it would cost to dig a cellar and use the ground for 
that purpose, they therefore dug a cellar which cost $90.27, 
and they erected a brick building 42 feet long, 32 feet wide, and 
two stories high. 

"The upper room is 30 feet 4 inches, by 30 feet, finished in a 
plain, tight and substantial manner according to the plan most 
approved by practical teachers. 

"In the lower story they have finished a room in the same 
manner for the primary school ; and there is an unfinished apart- 
ment now used for a wood room. But should the population in 
this section of the town continue to increase in future as it has 
done for some years past, that must eventually be added to the 
primary department, and a part of the cellar will then be wanted 
for a wood room. And the remainder is so situated that it is 
not improbable it will soon rent for enough to pay the interest 
on the whole cost of the cellar. 

"Your committee have built a cupola upon the house which 
cost $97.44, and hung a bell in it for the benefit of the school, 
which has been done at the expense of individuals, making the 
amount paid, or to be paid, by the citizens of the District for 
land, cupola, bell and fixtures not less than $240, leaving the 
whole expense of the house to the town, $2,232.03. 

"From which deduct. 
Amount of old house and shed, $88.00 

Materials and chips sold at new house, 12.67 

Belfry to be paid for by individuals, 97.44 $198.11 

^ , . $2,033.92 

Cash received from treasurer, 1,567.00 

Balance due from the town, $466.92 

"Your committee would state to the town that before they 
commenced their work they agreed with Mr. James Hall to 



94 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

superintend the business and work on the building until it should 
be completed; and he was to receive ten shillings per day if he 
fulfilled his part of the contract. But for some cause unknown 
to the committee, after having received a part of his wages he 
left the work very abruptly, and much to the disadvantage of 
the town; and therefore is not in justice entitled to anything more 
for his services. 

"Every other bill respecting the house we believe has been 
received and will be adjusted without any difficulty whatever. 
"All which is respectfully submitted to the town by 
Cyrus Gale 1 

William Seaver > Building Committee." 
Eben D. Blake J 

This report was accepted April 2, 1838. 

This report is a lengthy one; but it contains such a complete 
account of the origin of one of the town's most cherished buildings, 
that the author feels confident that our townspeople will be glad 
to see it in print, especially that large number of them who 
received their early education there, and who hold the building 
in tender remembrance. 

Our people have been familiar with this building all their 
lives; but there are few, if any of them, who know how near 
it once came to becoming a fortress. It was only the high cost 
of labor and building materials that prevented this. On June 
11, 1849, the town "Voted to build a stone wall around the school 
house in District No. 1, the same to be of large stones and narrow 
on the top so that the scholars cannot throw it down nor run 
on the top of it, and that it be built about 3| feet high." 
Whether this were done to keep the scholars within narrow limits 
at recess time or to protect them from threatened attacks by 
scholars from the other districts, does not appear. Let us hope, 
however, that the boys of the center district were not cowards, 
and that they were able to hold their own with boys from other 
parts of the town. At any rate, the proposed Chinese wall 
was never built, for the committee reported the following year 
"that the lowest offer for doing the same was $4.88 per rod; and 
thinking it higher than it is for the interest of the town to pay, asks 
leave to build a suitable board or pickett fence instead of stone." 

This building was used for school purposes continuously for 
nearly sixty years, until the Hudson Street house was erected 
in 1895 and the "district schools" became a thing of the past. 

The Northborough Grange purchased the Center school- 
house in 1895, since which time it has been the home of that 
worthy organization. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 95 

THE FACTORY SCHOOL 

The Factory school was built in 1880 and began its career 
of usefulness December 6 of that same year, with Miss Emily F. 
Wheeler of West Newton, as teacher. 

It must not be supposed, however, that that date marks the 
beginning of educational advantages in that part of the town. 
Like all new school districts, the Factory district was not estab- 
lished until the need became imperative. The first mill began 
operations in the first quarter of the century (about 1820 or 
1822). That brought to the village many families from Canada, 
mostly French, who had very little knowledge of the English 
language. In those days there was no law compelling children 
to attend school. Families were large, and the children went to 
work in the mill at a tender age. 

Efforts were made from time to time, to correct this evil; 
for it was considered a very serious evil that children should 
grow up in the community without even the rudiments of an 
education, and especially, without the ability to speak the 
language of the community. Some of the children attended the 
district school, but that was too far away for the youngest 
children of school age. The first efforts to remedy the evil 
were on a small scale. The children were gathered into private 
homes and teachers were provided for them. This plan was 
continued for some years, with more or less success — rather less 
than more. 

In 1858 a more concerted effort was made. What success 
attended the effort is told by the school committee in their 
report for the years 1858-59, from which report we quote the 
following : 

"Owing to circumstances well-known, their duties (the 
committee's) the past season have been somewhat more oner- 
ous than usual. Early in the season, they were called upon 
to provide for, organize, and superintend a school for the special 
benefit of the children connected with the cotton mills, for 
which the town had made an appropriation of fifty dollars. As 
the mills were not in operation, quite a large number of children 
were without employment; and we consider it a fortunate cir- 
cumstance, that funds had been provided by the town for 
opening a school for their benefit. A room was fitted up for 
their accommodation, a teacher (Mrs. Cyrus Davis) appointed, 
and more than thirty children, including several young persons 
between the ages of sixteen and twenty, and one adult of forty- 
five, most of them the children of foreigners (French-Canadian), 
some of whom were wholly ignorant of our language, attended 
with much constancy. It was gratifying to witness the interest 



96 NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 

they manifested in their studies, and the proficiency they made, 
during the ten weeks that the school lasted. All of them 
learned to read, some with more fluency and correctness; several 
made good proficiency in arithmetic and geography; and all 
were able to write and spell about as well as other children of 
the same age. 

"In a word, we have no hesitation in saying that the school 
accomplished all that it promised, and fully as much as we 
anticipated. The whole number of scholars attending this 
school was thirty-six; of which number, twenty-eight were present 
at the examination." 

But notwithstanding this large measure of success this 
arrangement did not continue; and for the reason, doubtless, 
that parents found it more profitable to keep their children at 
work in the mills. 

But within a few years conditions changed. Children were 
more numerous and they desired to attend school. Largely 
through the efforts of the school committee, and Mr. Chapin 
and Mr. Wood, owners of the two mills, the Factory school 
was built in 1880 and a long-needed educational want was 
realized. 

As has already been stated, the new school opened its doors 
on the sixth day of December, 1880, with Miss Wheeler as teacher, 
and it has been in operation ever since. It was a difficult work 
that Miss Wheeler undertook, for it was "the largest school in 
town" and the teacher was young and inexperienced. In the 
language of the school committee, "to attempt to control and 
teach 58 restless children varying in age from 4 to 14 years is 
an undertaking to severely tax the skill and endurance of a 
veteran teacher." But Miss Wheeler succeeded in the difiicult 
undertaking, and remained in the school until she herself became 
a "veteran" teacher. She left it in June, 1885, after a faithful 
service of five years. 

Writing to the author in 1907, Miss Wheeler (referring to the 
children in the school) said: "In the main they were bright, 
affectionate, and obedient children. A horse-whipping admin- 
istered the last day of the first week, just to prove the fallacy of 
ever-effective moral suasion, subdued the bullying, swaggering, 
and boastful 'son of Erin' into a sunny, obedient, well-balanced 
pupil, and quite upset the high ideals of the teacher in the direc- 
tion of discipline. I remained until June, 1885, and parted 
from those children with reluctance and with a memory of my 
happy years. They were the most grateful and appreciative 
children with whom I have ever dealt." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 97 



For forty years the Factory school has exerted an important 
influence upon the Hfe and character of the mill villages. Many 
of its pupils were "foreigners" when they entered the school, 
but when they left it, they were as true and loyal Americans as 
any town ever had. 

THE HUDSON STREET SCHOOL 

The district schools which had been the pride of the town 
for a century and a quarter were soon doomed to become a thing 
of the past. There had been for some time, a feeling that the 
interests of the children could be better served if they could be 
brought together into one central building. This feeling was 
crystalized in 1894 when the town, in special meeting, voted 
that a suitable school building be erected to accommodate both 
the high and grammar schools. The vote stood ninety-two to 
eighty-eight. 

It now looked as though a new building were assured. But 
alas! and alack! This vote was rescinded one month later. But 
the proponents of the new idea in education would not be downed, 
and through their efforts another meeting was held (May 29). 
This meeting took final action favoring a new building, and 
appointed Guilford P. Heath, Nathaniel Randlett, Francis M. 
Harrington, Lewis F. Stratton and Richard R. Yates a com- 
mittee to build the same. This committee was also empowered 
to select a site for the building. 

The committee lost no time in attending to the business 
assigned them. They selected the site, erected the building, 
and the new schoolhouse was occupied in the fall of 1895. 

All the district schools save the west and factory districts 
were brought together in the new building. The West school 
preserved its individuality a few years longer, when it, too, was 
absorbed by the new school. 



CHAPTER IX 

THE NORTHBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL 

The Northborough High School was organized in 1866. 
It must not be supposed however, that it sprang into being all 
at once; on the contrary, it was the result of an agitation ex- 
tending over a period of thirty years. As early as 1835 the 
need for a high school was realized by some of our people, and 
the town appointed a committee to look into the matter. This 
committee made a thorough investigation of the entire school 
situation, the results of which are embodied in a report of three 
thousand words. Any town might well feel proud to have such 
a report upon its records: It reflects credit not only upon the 
committee who made it, but upon the town that accepted it 
and tried to put its recommendations into operation. The 
author questions whether there be anywhere a more intelligent 
understanding of the educational problem, especially when we 
consider the early period in which it was written. It is not 
possible to reproduce that lengthy report in this place, but as 
reflecting the thought on public school education that was in 
the minds of our people at that early time, we might be per- 
mitted to quote that portion of the report which sums up the 
reasons why the town should establish a high school. It says: 

"Several reasons were suggested to the minds of your com- 
mittee for the adoption of the plan proposed, some of which 
they may be permitted here to give: 

"1. Scholars are now in the habit of leaving school at too 
early an age, while their education is very incomplete. It is 
thought that a high school will remedy this defect in consequence 
of the stronger inducements which the more advanced scholars 
will have to attend. Should this be the case, it is obvious that 
the standard of education will be raised in our whole com- 
munity. 

"2. Again, such a school might in some measure take the 
place of a seminary for teachers; and it cannot be doubted that 
a much larger number of persons would qualify themselves to 
keep school than is now the case. By this means we should be 
able to furnish a supply not only for our own schools but for the 
schools in other places. And we should have not only more but 
better teachers for our district schools. Our winter schools 
would be what our summer schools now are, under the care of 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 99 

those who would understand the views of the general cornmittee 
on the subject of education, and be willing to conform in their 
mode of teaching and governing the schools, to those views, 
and the wishes of the community, Thus the greatest obstacles 
to the prosperity of our schools would be easily and at once re- 
moved. 

"Were there no other advantages than this to be gained by the 
adoption of the plan proposed, your committee think this would 
be sufficient of itself to entitle the subject to a serious considera- 
tion. 

"3. Your committee have also thought it probable that we 
should in this way have the advantage of a school of high order 
through the year. They think that the teacher who should be 
employed by the town for five or six months in the year would 
have sufficient encouragement to induce her to keep a private 
school the remaining portion of the year, by which means we 
would be more likely to retain the same teacher from year to 
year. This, they think, would be an inestimable advantage to 
the town. 

"4. But perhaps the principal advantage of the new over the 
old system will be derived from the superior qualifications of 
the teacher of the High School, and it cannot be doubted that 
the higher wages that will be paid, and the greater length of 
time the school will be kept will command the services of an 
able and experienced teacher, one who will be competent to 
teach the most advanced among the scholars, and who will be 
willing to devote himself entirely to the duties of his office. It 
is certain that he will have much more to stimulate him to 
activity and faithfulness in the discharge of those duties, not 
only in respect to the recompense of reward, but in view of the 
higher character of the school and the more advanced standing 
of the scholars. Besides, he will be more concerned for his own 
reputation as a teacher than those are apt to be who come into 
the town as strangers, remain with us a few weeks, receive their 
pay, and retire without further interest in their schools or in the 
town which employed them. In the case of the former, the 
consequences of success, or want of success, must be felt more 
deeply and will be more extensively known." 

All this sounds very modern. It might have been written 
in our 1920 school report. It embraces problems that school 
committees have constantly to face — children leaving school too 
early; better teachers; better schools, and teachers remaining 
in them long enough to be of genuine service. 

It is to be regretted, however, that this fine project for a 



100 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

high school was not put into effect. It was no fault of the town 
that it was not put into effect; for the report was accepted and 
facilities provided. Neither was it the fault of the committee; 
for we may be sure that Dr. Allen, the chairman, to whose heart 
the project was very dear, left no stone unturned to perfect his 
plan for improving the schools. The project fell through for a 
reason that sounds very strange to us — "your committee cannot 
find a good teacher for that school this winter." 

This failure must have had a disheartening effect upon those 
who were most interested, for the matter was held in abeyance 
until 1851, when the school committee (of which Dr. Allen was 
still chairman) revived the project, and with better success. 
The special committee appointed at this time "to investigate 
the whole matter of schooling" closed their report with the 
following recommendation : 

"Your committee recommend that a High School be opened 
in the upper room of the Center schoolhouse, the old vestry 
under the Town House, or such other place as the town may 
consider most central and convenient for all the scholars in 
town of such age and such acquirements as may be determined 
on by those having charge of the school." 

All preliminaries having been attended to, the high school 
was finally started in the upper story of the Center schoolhouse 
(now Grange Hall). It was an experiment which proved un- 
successful, and was continued only six months — from September, 
1852 to February, 1853, inclusive. 

The teacher of this first high school was Robert C. Metcalf 
of Wrentham. He had been graduated with honor from the 
State Normal School, at Bridgewater, had taught there one 
term, and had come to Northborough highly recommended by 
Mr. Tillinghast, the accomplished prinicpal of that institution. 
After leaving Northborough he taught in the Cohasset High 
School, Roxbury High, was headmaster of the Adams Grammar 
School in Boston, also of the Wells School, and was supervisor 
of the Boston public schools for twenty years. Then he settled 
in Winchester where for some years he was superintendent of 
schools. 

It is said in the preceding paragraph that the experiment was 
unsuccessful. We judge that it was from the fact that it was 
not continued. The committee, however, did not think so. In 
an exhaustive report made to the town in March, 1853, they say: 

"The school was examined at the close of the second term, 
Feb. 20th, in the presence of a large number of spectators. The 
examination lasted all day, and was conducted in such a manner 
as to test the scholarship of the pupils in the most satisfactory 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 101 

manner. Most of them stood the test well and gained much 
credit for their recitations, especially in the mathematical de- 
partment. The exercises in algebra and geometry especially, 
displayed a thoroughness and a familiarity with the principles 
of those sciences which excited our admiration." The pupils 
were also commended for the satisfactory progress they had 
made in all other studies. 

The report goes on to say: "On the whole, the Committee 
congratulate the town on the satisfactory result of the experi- 
ment they saw fit to make of a High School. It did not accom- 
plish all that its friends had hoped, as it failed to bring together 
as large a number of the good scholars from the remote parts of 
the town as we had hoped and anticipated, and as it had to en- 
counter not a little hostility from those who regarded it as an 
unwise and unrighteous measure. StUl we think that it accom- 
plished much good." 

In the above statement we probably have the secret of its 
failure. The town was not unanimous in its vote to try the 
experiment. The vote was eighty-five to fifty-nine; so it is easy 
to see that there was strong opposition to it from the beginning. 
Of the sixty-four pupils who were admitted to the school, thirty- 
two came from the center district, twelve from the north, three 
from the east, eleven from the south, three from the west, and 
three from the Ball Hill districts. "The several districts were 
all proud of their schools and were more or less jealous of one 
another," so John D. Estabrook, one of the pupils, told the 
author. 

This jealousy on the part of the districts manifested itself 
anew at the March meeting in 1853, and it was ''Voted not to 
continue the high school." 

Whether the experiment was successful or unsuccessful this 
unknown chapter in the history of our high school is worthy of 
the large space devoted to it, as showing the development of the 
thought of our people in the matter of public school education. 

We append a few impressions of the school and of some of 
the townspeople. They are taken from Mr. Metcalf's private 
journal and were given to the author by his son, R. B. Metcalf : 

FROM MR. METCALF'S JOURNAL 

"In the autumn of 1852, through the influence of Mr. Tilling- 
hast of the Normal school, I became Principal of the Northboro 
High School. 

"Previous to this time, Northboro had had no High School, 
and, as I learned some months later it was only after a series 



102 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

of stormy discussions concerning the location of a High School 
that one was established in the center of the town. It should 
be remembered that in 1851 High Schools were firmly established 
in only a few of the towns of Massachusetts. Private academies 
were doing the work that is now done by our free public High 
Schools. Comparatively few of the children of any town could 
afford to pay the fees required by the academies, and few of the 
academies were sufficiently endowed to warrant their offering 
free instruction to the children of the town. When the State 
took the initiative in establishing High Schools, and passed laws 
allowing communities to raise money by taxation for this purpose, 
the people gladly accepted the privilege, which would give all 
children the opportunity for extending their school life, at 
least a few years, in a preparatory school, and possibly a few 
more in a college. When, however, it came to locating the 
High School, there arose a decided difference of opinion, which, 
in some instances, became so pronounced, not to say bitter, that 
the establishment of a High School was deferred for several 
years. 

"Northboro had passed through this stormy period before 
my advent into the town, and the opposition to a central High 
School had so far moderated that, for months after the school 
was opened, I had not heard of any difference of opinion con- 
cerning its location. However, I must confess that I have never 
ceased to wonder at the selection, as Principal of the School, of 
a young man of nineteen, who could offer no college diploma and 
only a little more than one year's training in a Normal School, 
and who, besides, was an entire stranger to every inhabitant of 
the town. I am very sure that, had I been a member of the 
Northboro School Board, one vigorous objection to the selection 
would have been recorded. It is very possible that an exami- 
nation of the records of the Secretary of the Northboro School 
Board for the year 1852 would reveal several such objections. 
However that may be, the school was carried on successfully 
and, so far as I ever knew, was warmly supported by the citizens 
of the town. 

"Perhaps the most prominent citizen of Northboro at this 
time was Dr. Joseph Allen, an old man, as I recollect him, but 
vigorous both of body and of mind. For many years he had 
been the settled pastor of the Unitarian church in this town, 
and leader in its educational work. I spent several days in 
his family before the opening of my school, and during my six 
months' residence in the town, became much attached to him 
personally and his warm admirer because of his public spirit, 
his excellent judgment in educational matters, and his great 
interest in all affairs pertaining to the welfare of the town. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 103 

"Ultimately, I became a member of Dr. Jewett's family, 
where I made my home during my service in the High School. 
Dr. Jewett was a prominent physician of the town, and I had 
reason to be grateful that so good a home was generously offered 
me in this crucial period of my experience. 

"My school relations in Northboro were exceedingly pleasant, 
and no disturbing experiences occurred to mar the general 
harmony that prevailed throughout the two terms of three 
months each. My social relations with the people of the town 
were also pleasant and helpful. The Lyceum in Northboro, at 
this time, was of great value to the young people, for here we 
met on equal terms and discussed both local and national affairs 
with great freedom and excellent spirit. Probably the speeches 
made and the sentiments expressed, to say nothing of the wisdom 
set forth, have not been preserved, but that the participants in 
those lively debates gained much of real value to themselves 
admits of no doubt whatever. 

"There were a number of notable scholars in this school 
who, later in life, filled important positions in various parts of 
the country. 

"Edwin P. Seaver, then a boy of fourteen, attended the 
High School while I was Principal, and in September, 1855, 
entered the Bridgewater Normal School. After his graduation 
from the Normal School, he taught three years in Stoughton 
and New Bedford, in the latter city in the Friends' Academy. 
Jn 1860-61 Mr. Seaver prepared for college in the Phillips- 
Exeter Academy, and entered Harvard in 1861. After his 
graduation from college, he was employed as Tutor in Mathe- 
matics, and later, became Assistant Professor of Mathematics 
in Harvard. In 1874 Mr. Seaver was elected Head Master of 
the Boston English High School, which position he held until 
1880, when he was appointed Superintendent of Schools of 
Boston. This position he held until 1904. 

"John Rice, another pupil in the Northboro High School, 
graduated from the Bridgewater Normal, and afterwards taught 
in Nantucket. He later entered and was graduated from the 
Lawrence Scientific School in Cambridge. Mr. Rice was 
immediately appointed Professor of Applied Mathematics in 
the Naval Academy in Annapolis, and became the head of the 
department. He published two mathematical books of con- 
siderable note. 

"Joseph P. Davis, after leaving the Northboro High School, 
entered the Rensselaer Polytechnic School of Troy, N. Y. 
After his graduation from this institution, he was appointed 



104 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



civil engineer of the city of Boston. Mr. Davis accepted this 
position in order that he might construct a system of sewerage for 
the city. This work was accompHshed under his direction. 

"The High School in Northboro was closed in February, 1853, 
and a few weeks later I took charge of the Cohasset High School." 



LIST OF STUDENTS 



Solon W. Rice 
John L. Bailey 
William D. Burdett 
Joseph H. Allen 
John D. Estabrook 
Geo. E. Blake 
Joseph P. Davis 
Wilder M. Bush 
Nathaniel Fisher, Jr. 
Asaph Glazier 
Lyman M. Brigham 
John L. Stone 
Joseph Chafifin 
Jerome Pierce 
Eugene Gibson 
Joseph Boyden 
Daniel Maynard 
John Minot Rice 
Lewis P. Curtis 
Artemas Ball 
Henry Whiting 
Edwin P. Seaver 
Cornelius Macmaniman 
Henry J. Burdett 
L. M. Brigham 
M. A. Maynard 
M. S. Houghton 
M. A. Fosgate 
Mary A. Shaw 
Marrietta Maynard 
Sarah A. Burdett 
Harriet F. Fay 



Abbie S. Maynard 
Carrie S. Miller 
Susan N. Hunt 
Harriet L. Hunt 
Martha J. Wells 
Harriet E. Colburn 
Esther M. Haven 
Elizabeth M. Rice 
Mary S. Warren 
Sarah W. Tidd 
Ellen E. Cook 
Susan A. Hale 
Ellen Bruce 
Susan M. Monroe 
Elizabeth Blake 
Mary R. Brewer 
Lucy A. Jerauld 
Elizabeth Perry 
Mary Fisk 
Marsylva Rice 
Harriet Ball 
Adalaide Stone 
Abbey Fay 
Keziah Wood 
Ellen Stone 
Olive Fairbanks 
Ann J. Streeter 
C. N. Carter 
Maria L. Fairbanks 
Caroline L. Johnson 
Abbie F. Miller 
Sarah J. Pierce 



The failure of the town to continue the high school was a 
great disappointment to the committee, especially to its chair- 
man. But with the then state of feeling they did not consider 
it opportune to press the matter. Nor did they for several 
years. In the meantime certain changes were taking place, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 105 

especially as effecting the scholarship of the young men and 
women. In their report for 1858-59 the committee call atten- 
tion to this fact (page 10) : 

"We have much better accommodations," they say, "more 
commodious schoolhouses, together with great improvements 
in books and maps and other school apparatus. How 
happens it, then, that we had better scholars in nearly 
every district — scholars more advanced in the higher depart- 
ments of learning — than, with few exceptions, we can boast of 
now? This result may be owing in part to the changes which 
have taken place in the character of the population; but the 
chief cause, we apprehend, is the practice, which has been 
gaining ground every year, of shortening the period of school 
attendance. On looking back a quarter of a century or more, 
we find that nothing was more common at that time than for 
young men and young women, from sixteen to twenty, and up- 
wards, to attend our winter schools, some of them engaged in 
the branches of science now virtually excluded from our common 
schools, but which ought to be considered as essential parts pf 
a good education. According to the practice which now prevails 
in our community, where few attend school after the age of 
sixteen, and where the winter term seldom exceeds three months, 
it is unreasonable to expect that our young men or our young 
women will become ripe scholars, unless they are furnished with 
other advantages than those belonging to our common schools. 
The best remedy for the evil complained of would be the estab- 
lishment and maintenance through the year, of a High School." 

"Through the year" should be underscored; for the words 
have reference to an experimental high school that was tried 
out in the fall of 1858 with Jairus Lincoln and Miss Sarah P. 
Byam as teachers. The town had appropriated $200 for the 
support of such a school "for a limited term in the autumn, for 
the benefit of the whole town, to which all persons over the age 
of twelve should be admitted, without any other qualification 
than that they lived within our borders." The school was com- 
posed of seventy pupils, and it lasted ten weeks — from Septem- 
ber 1, to the middle of November. Among the studies intro- 
duced in this experiment were geometry, algebra and physical 
geography, because, in the minds of the comniittee, such studies 
"would form an excellent discipline for the mind." 

"The experiment was completely successful," according to 
the testimony of the committee; but there was considerable 
opposition to it on the part of the people. The committee did 
not urge a repetition of the course unless it could be continued 
throughout the year. "But public sentiment was not ripe for 



106 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

such a radical change in our educational system. We wish it 
might be otherwise," said the committee; "but, till the people 
are prepared for it, till there shall be a loud and imperative call 
for a change — it behooves us to wait as patiently as we can, and, 
in the meantime, to make the most of our present system, 
imperfect and unsatisfactory as it confessedly is; leaving it for 
those who shall come after us to supply what is defective and 
amend what is amiss." 

A high school was put into operation the following year and 
was continued throughout the year, with Mr. and Mrs. Jairus 
Lincoln as teachers. It started with seventy-three pupils, and 
closed with thirty-five. The committee in their report for 
1859-60 assign many causes for the reduction in the number of 
pupils. Some of the pupils did not like the teachers; some did 
not like the text-books; some said they could not learn any- 
thing; while many others had a general dislike of the school. 

That ended the experiment, and nothing more was heard of 
a high school until five years later. 

But the high school idea had taken deep root in the minds 
of those who had the best interests of the town at heart, and 
they refused to let the matter rest until a high school became a 
reality. 

Persistency finally prevailed, in this case as in all other 
matters, and the Northborough High School was born in the 
spring of 1866. 

THE PRESENT HIGH SCHOOL 

The story of the opening of the school may best be told in 
the words of the School Committee. In their report, dated 
March 4, 1867, they say: 

"The repairs on the Town House having been completed, the 
first day of May (1866) was set apart for its dedication, and for 
the commencement of the school. An address was made on the 
occasion by Rev. B. G. Northop, State Agent of the Board of 
Education, followed by speeches from several members of the 
School Committee and other gentlemen present, and all seemed 
pleased with the appearance of the new schoolroom. 

"The school began with 34 scholars, and ended the last day 
of June, having been kept only nine weeks. It was conducted 
with much ability, with uninterrupted harmony, and, we 
believe, to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. A new 
term began August 27, with 55 pupils, and ended with a 
very satisfactory examination, November 17. The winter 
term began the first Monday in December, with 63 pupils, and 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 107 

lasted thirteen weeks, which closed the first year under the new 
regime.'' 

The first home of the Northborough High School was in the 
Old Town Hall, that building of blessed memory to all the older 
inhabitants of the town. It stood a few feet south of the 
present school building, and for nearly half a century was the 
center of the social life of the community.* It had been fitted 
up at much expense for its new use, and bade fair to continue 
its career of usefulness for many years to come. But unfortu- 
nately it was soon doomed to destruction. On the twenty- 
second day of February, 1870 (a cold day), some of the pupils 
had gathered around the register to warm themselves, when, 
looking down, they discovered a mass of flames. Word was 
quickly passed along that the building was on fire. The pupils 
made a hasty exit, but none too hasty, for in a surprisingly short 
time the entire building was in flames, and soon, it was a mass of 
ruins. The pupils shed no tears over it at the time — on the 
contrary they seemed to rejoice that "the old thing had burned 
down." The reason for their being in that frame of mind was 
this: The 22nd of February was a holiday, and the pupils had 
asked that there should be "no school" on that day. But the 
unpatriotic School Committee, who had either forgotten, or 
were indifferent to, the great service the "Father of his Country" 
had rendered, had turned a deaf ear to their request. Hence 
their sullenness. They soon got over that feeling, however. 

Naturally, the burning of a public building was a subject 
for investigation; and a committee was appointed for that 
purpose. The committee reported, one month later (March 
21), as follows: 

"Your committee chosen to investigate the cause of the fire 
at the High School House, have attended to their duty and 
report, that from all the information we have been able to obtain, 
we are of the opinion that the fi.re was in consequence of the 
insecure manner in which the furnace was set; and that, in our 
opinion those having charge of the house are in no way respon- 
sible for the fire. 

C. Eames 1 

John Rice > Committee'' 

J. B. Parker J 

The town immediately took measures to build a new house. 
The intention was to erect it on the site of the old one; and 
preparations were made to that end. But the First Parish 
Church stepped inand prevented it. The church had no objection 

*See chapter, "The Old Town Hall." 



108 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

to a new schoolhouse; but, as the church owned the land, it 
insisted that any new building that might be erected upon it 
should be set far enough back so that its front should be on a 
line with the front of the church. The attitude of the church 
was purely an aesthetic one. There was more or less contention 
over the matter, which delayed progress on the new building. 
But it was finally settled amicably, and to the satisfaction of all 
concerned; and work on the new building proceeded without 
further interruption (1870). 

The Northborough High School was born, as has already 
been said. May 1, 1866, But it must not be supposed that it 
sprang into being a full-fledged, well-organized institution. 
Such was not the case. The primary objects which the several 
committees who for so many years had tried to establish a 
high school, had in view, was to prevent children from leaving 
school too early, by giving them a course of instruction in 
subjects which, for lack of time, could not be given in the 
district schools. The state at that time did not exercise the 
paternal direction over the schools that it exercises now. Aside 
from the mere rudiments of learning — reading, writing, and 
arithmetic, each town was left free to provide such a system of 
education as it considered best suited to its needs. Therefore, 
when this school was established it sought to gather into its 
fold all the children in town over twelve years of age, who had 
already received such instruction as the district schools afforded. 
It began in May with thirty-four pupils, and closed its first 
year the following February, with sixty-three. We may well 
believe that the teacher had no easy task that first year, and that 
he doubly earned his salary (which, by the way, was $800). 
For those sixty-three children were a conglomerate mass, of 
different ages, of differing degrees of intelligence, and of unequal 
attainments. Naturally, there had to be some careful process 
of selection adopted in order to place those children where they 
belonged. It was not so difficult after the first year because 
the committee, foreseeing such a condition, graded all the 
under schools, and established at the same time, an intermediate 
school which should be a feeder for the high school. 

There were no graduations in the earlier years of the school ; 
therefore there was no prescribed time that one must remain. 
Children went to the school to get what they could, and they 
stayed there as long as they pleased. Some remained one year, 
and some as long as six years. 

There can be no question but that the new school supplied 
a real need, notwithstanding the fact that the town was so 
long in realizing its need. The neighboring town of Berlin soon 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 109 

began to appreciate the opportunity which such a school afforded, 
and in 1878 it made a request that its children be permitted to 
attend it. The request was granted and arrangements were 
made whereby children from out of town could become members 
of the school upon payment of five dollars as a tuition fee. In 
that year there were ten children from Berlin enrolled as members 
of the school. There was also one from Marlborough. Berlin 
continued to send its children to the school for many years. 

All of which, together with the continued success of the 
school, go to prove that the School Committees were fully justi- 
fied in so frequently and so urgently pressing their convictions 
upon the town. The Northborough High School has long been 
an established fact which has done much to enhance the material 
welfare of the town ; for out of it have gone, year after year, for 
more than fifty years, young men and young women who have 
made enviable positions for themselves in every walk of life, 
and good citizens for the communities wherein they have resided. 

"J. B." DAVIS 

Josiah B. Davis of Princeton, Massachusetts, was its first 
teacher; and judging from the length of time he remained, he 
must have been a good one. Indeed, that is the testimony of 
all his pupils with whom the author has come into contact. 
J. B. Davis's name is spoken with reverence and admiration 
whenever two or more of his students fall into the happy pastime 
of reminiscency. He was stern, but he was gentle withal. He 
could be sarcastic when he chose to humble a refractory pupil, 
but never with intent to hurt the pupil's feelings. He was in- 
terested in the school as a school, but what is more to the point, 
he was interested in his pupils as individuals. And it was this 
personal interest in each one that endeared him to all. He was 
a man of general information who seemed to know something 
about everything. He always opened his school with a short 
address on some timely topic. He was a good reader, and in 
his teaching laid great stress upon that art, with special emphasis 
upon pronunciation. 

He was principal of the high school nine years; but before 
entering upon those duties he had successfully taught the north 
district school one year. During the last five years of his stay 
in Northborough he served as a member of the School Committee. 
In their report for the year 1872-73 the committee, speaking 
of the high school, makes this observation concerning him: 
"The principal, being a member of the Board, his colleagues, 
without consulting him, take this opportunity to express their 



110 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

high appreciation of the fidelity and skill which has been shown 
in the management of this school for these several years." 

And in their report for the year 1875-76, speaking of Mr. 
Davis's resignation, the committee said, "this change was 
regretted by most of his old pupils, and the choice of a new person 
made difhcult by the strong feeling of some, that no one could 
fill his place satisfactorily." 

The High School Alumni, have, in recent years, been holding 
reunions annually on the church common. One such reunion 
was held June 26, 1912, that will ever be memorable in the history 
of that organization. J. B. Davis (he is always spoken of as 
"J. B.") was the guest of honor. And if a man ever spent an 
absolutely happy day in this world, that man was J. B. Davis. 
It was forty-six years since he took up his duties as the first 
principal of the new school, and thirty-seven years since he left 
the school; yet notwithstanding that long lapse of time, fifty of 
his former pupils were present to greet their old master. They 
came from far and near, and were all glad to be there. Mr. Davis 
himself had "the time of his life, " so he said. And we may well 
believe it; for his face beamed with gladness all day. The former 
pupils gathered during the forenoon. Lunch was served at 
noon; after which all repaired to the high school building, sat 
in their seats, sang songs and indulged in reminiscences of their 
schooldays. The weather was warm, but nobody minded it. 
The cup of joy was full to overflowing, so that it was dilhcult to 
tell which was the happier, the old schoolmaster or the old 
schoolmaster's former pupils. 

Mr. Davis was the pioneer. He spent nine years in working 
over his material and moulding it into such shape as to make a 
good foundation for a school that should be a creditable insti- 
tution. 

It remained, however, for his successor to organize that 
material into a duly-credited, smooth-running school. Albert 
Gray, Jr., succeeded Mr. Davis in 1875 and remained until 1891, 
a period of sixteen years; a record of service that has not been 
approached by any other teacher in the school. Mr. Gray 
organized the school into classes, and such organization has con- 
tinued until now. 

The first regular class, as such, was graduated in the spring 
of 1878. The class consisted of three young ladies, Miss Amy 
Barnes, Miss Ellen S. Stone, and Miss Grace Thompson. Each 
of them read graduation papers, and each of them was given a 
diploma — the first diplomas ever given by the school. 

Reference is made above to the annual reunions of the High 
School Alumni. These reunions are a source of great interest 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



111 



to all who attend them. And as many of the pupils who were in 
the school in its earlier years are still living, and proclaim their 
interest in the school either by their personal attendance upon 
the reunions, or by letter, the author thinks it would be a matter 
of special interest to them to see a list of their former schoolmates. 
We therefore append such a list. Space forbids a complete list 
of the school's pupils; we therefore confine the list to those 
pupils who were in the school during the first four years of its 
existence from 1866 to 1870. In the case of the female pupils 
we have, as fully as possible, given their married names in parallel 
columns with their schoolgirl names. No school records were 
kept in those days, and it is not an easy matter to compile such 
a list at this distance. No claim, therefore, is made for its 
completeness : 



PUPILS IN NORTHBOROUGH HIGH SCHOOL 
1866-1870 



Adams, George K. 
Ashley, Edgar 
Bancroft, Julius 
Barnes, Charles 
Bartlett, Arthur F. 
Bemis, Elwin H. 
Bemis, Justin 
Butler, George 
Carruth, Clarence 
Carruth, Everett 
Cawthorne, Frank 
Chandler, Leander 
Coolidge, Henry C. 
Coolidge, Walter M. 
Crawford, John B. 
Crosby, John Q. 
Curtis, James L. 
Davis, Willard P. 
Davis, Willie P. 
Dryden, Willie 
Eddy, Andrew B. 
Ellsworth, Cornelius J. 
Ellsworth, James J. 
Eylward, James 
Farwell, DeWitt C. 
Fawcett, William 
Fay, Louis E. 
Fay, Willie E. 



Flagg, Edward N. 
Gibson, Charles Winthrop 
Gibson, Wilder B. 
Gorman, John 
Green, George 
Harrington, John A. 
Harrington, William 
Hastings, George 
Haverstock, William E. 
Hunt, Fred 
Jewett, Henry L. 
Maynard, Charles H. 
Maynard, William A. 
Maynard, Wilder 
Mayo, Walter B. 
McCarthy, John 
McClure, William F. 
Mclntire, Samuel J. 
Mentzer, Thornton E. 
Mentzer, Walter 
Moore, Charles 
Moore, Josiah L. 
Moore, Levi W. 
Parker, Edward S. 
Paul, Henry W. 
Perry, Fred G. 
Pike, Henry 
Rice, Chandler T. 



112 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



Rice, Charles Henry 
Rice, Edward 
Rice, E. J. 
Rice, Fred S. 
Rice, S. Wilson 
Richardson, Fred W. 
Russell, Walter 

Maiden Name 

Adams, Etta 
Adams, Hattie 
Barnes, Amy 
Barnes, Anna 
Barnes, Edith 
Barnes, Emma A. 
Bartlett, Sarah E. 
Batchelor, Alice A. 
Bemis, Helen G. 
Bigelow, Annie 
Billings, Emma S. 
Brigham, Augusta 
Carruth, Ada M. 
Currier, Mary 
Davis, Annie E. 
Davis, Elizabeth B. 
Day, Mary J. 
Ellsworth, Ellen 
Farnsworth, Lizzie 
Farnum, Ella 
Fayerweather, Lizzie 
Flagg, Mary G. 
Gustine, Clara E. 
Gustine, May J. 
Harrington, Ada 
Harrington, Carrie 
Hildreth, Mary E. 
Jewett, Anna 
Johnson, Ella F. 
Kahler, Abbie 
Kidder, Maria 
King, Hannah 
Maynard, Ella S. 
Maynard, Ida 
Maynard, Inez 
Mclntire, Lizzie 



Sawyer, Charles 
Southworth, Elmer F. 
Stone, Edward J. 
Stratton, William E. 
Thurston, Daniel S. 
Walker, Fred 



Married Name 

Mrs. Josiah L. Moore 
Mrs. Wilder Gibson 
Mrs. Samuel T. Maynard 
Mrs. Edward Powers. 



Mrs. Seth A. Emery 

Mrs. W. J. Codd 

Mrs. George Harrington 

Mrs. George Eddy 

Mrs. Andrew Otis 

Mrs. D wight B. Bradley 
Mrs. Walter Lambeth 
Mrs. Francis H. Atwood 
Died young 

Mrs. George Fisher 
Mrs. Prouty 
Mrs. Eli Sanderson 
Mrs. Henry W. Paul 
Mrs. Welcome Wadsworth 

Mrs. Lucius Ball 
Died young 

Mrs. Richardson 

Mrs. Levi Moore, 1st 
Mrs. Frank Picard 
Mrs. Taft 

Mrs. Frank G. Holcomb 
Mrs. George Howe 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



113 



Mentzer, Mary E. 
Moore, Hannah 
Newton, Ellen 
Randlett, Emma L. 
Randlett, Hattie 
Rice, Eliza 
Rice, Lottie 
Russell, Emily W. 
Saxton, Emily A. 
Searle, Edith G. 
Searle, Ella F. 
Silver, Nellie 
Stockwell, Mary J. 
Stone, Hortense M. 
Stratton, Maria S. 
Valentine, Hattie 
Valentine, Sarah 
Washburn, Clara O. 
Whipple, Mary, 1st wife 
White, Elizabeth 
Wilcox, Mary E. 
Wood, Hattie 
Yeaw, Katie G. 



Mrs. Watrus Guarnsey, 2d 
Mrs. DeWitt C. Farwell 
Mrs. Alfred Brooks 

Mrs. Irving Morse 
Mrs. George Thayer 
Mrs. George Beck 
Mrs. Reed 

Mrs. John F. Johnson 
Mrs. Henry Maynard 

Mrs. Brewer 
Died young 
Mrs. Henry G. Corey 
Mrs. George Rice 
Mrs. Lewis F. Stratton 
Mrs. George E. Goodrich 
Mrs. Charles H. Newton 
Mrs. George K. Adams 

Mrs. George R. Freeman 
Mrs. Walter Farwell 
Mrs. Frank Pope 



CHAPTER X 

PRIVATE SCHOOLS 

We have already stated that Northborough from the date 
of its incorporation has been actively interested in education. 
It provided a "schoolmaster" for the instruction of its children 
in the first year of its existence as an incorporated town. It has 
continued such instruction, gradually increasing its scope, until 
the present time. But in addition to the schools provided at 
public expense the town has had several private schools which 
have given it a wide reputation. The first of these private 
institutions was known as 

THE NORTHBOROUGH SEMINARY 

The leaders of public thought in the early days of this com- 
munity must have had the subject of education very much at 
heart; for simultaneously with the building of the four school- 
houses in 1780, certain public-spirited men organized a private 
school, and subscribed generously of their means for its housing, 
as the following table will show: 



£ 


5. 


d. 


13 





1 


12 


5 


9 


7 


7 


9 


16 


11 


10 


3 


5 


9 


3 


14 


11 


9 


3 


10 


9 


1 


5 


3 


6 


8 


4 


7 


6 


6 


12 


11 


2 


19 


2 


1 


18 


5 


3 









/. 



Thaddeus Fay . . 
Henry Gaschett . . 

Joel Rice 

Abraham Monroe 
David Monroe . . 
Solomon Goddard 
Samuel Wood . . . 

Amos Rice 

Gillam Bass .... 

Simeon Hill 

John Wyman ... 
Abraham Wood . . , 
Edward Martyn . 
John Carruth .... 



The house was built at a total cost of £95 11 5. \d. 

We have thought it worth while to record these figures for 
several reasons: Northborough built four schoolhouses that year. 
The country was in the midst of the Revolution, and there was 
more or less uncertainty as to how it would terminate; and it 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 115 

was entailing heavy expenses upon the people, as war always 
does. Yet, the people of this small town voluntarily assumed 
the extra financial burden of a private school. It shows at least, 
the value they placed upon education. 

A few of the records of the proprietors of the Seminary are 
extant from which we copy the following obligation one assumed 
when he purchased a share in the Seminary : 

"I, the subscriber, having purchased a share (or shares as 
the case may be) in the Seminary in Northborough of A.B., do 
promise and engage to pay one-(two or three as the case may be) 
thirty-fifth part of all the cost that shall hereafter arise in 
repairing the house and keeping the school which shall be kept 
in the same, and that I will be subject to, and govern myself 
by, the Rules and Regulations of the Proprietors, for the due 
performance of which I do pledge my honour to the Proprietors 
of sd Seminary, as witness my hand." 

A bit of internal evidence in the above obligation enables 
us to conclude that the stock in the Seminary was divided into 
thirty-five equal shares. 

There is a record to the effect that on May 5, 1784, Thaddeus 
Fay sold two of his shares, one to Isaac Howe, the other to Hol- 
loway Taylor; which would seem to indicate that the Seminary 
was flourishing at that date. How long it flourished we do not 
know: but the following receipts shed a little light on the 
question : 

"Northborough, April 14, 1790. 
"I have received of Capt. Samuel Wood Eight Pounds Two 
Shillings in full in behalf of a school began at Northborough 
Seminary, April 8, 1788, for three months. 

"Samuel Brigham." 
And on July 12, 1790, the following:— 

"Received of Samuel Wood Three Pounds Twelve shillings in 
full for Boarding Master Samuel Brigham three months from 
April 8, 1788. 

"Rec'd payment, 

"Daniel Brigham." 
This is the latest data concerning the Seminary that we have 
been able to find. If the school ended at this time, it would 
appear that Samuel Brigham was its last teacher. James Hart 
was its first teacher, and he continued as such from its com- 
mencement in 1780 till 1785. 

The Seminary was located on the plot of ground at the junc- 
tion of Pleasant Street and the Boylston road, directly in 



116 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

front of the house now owned by Miss Ellen Williams. The Town 
Records for April 2, 1805, contain this item: ''Voted that the 
proprietors of the Seminary may remove it from off of the town 
land when they shall think best; or they may let it stand where 
it is, to be used for a schoolhouse." 

We learn from other sources that at about this time (1807) 
the building was sold to Altomont Rice (father of the late Pro- 
fessor John Minot Rice), and was moved by him to a piece of 
land at the corner of Whitney Street and Rice Avenue, and 
converted into a dwelling-house. It is still in existence, forming 
the rear central portion of Linden Cottage, the present home 
of Miss Caroline Caswell. 

THE ALLEN HOME SCHOOL 

Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D., was born in Medfield, Mass., in 
1790. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1811, studied 
theology under the famous Professor Henry Ware (and others 
who shortly afterwards organized the Harvard Divinity School), 
and in 1816 settled in Northborough where he remained until 
his death in 1873. Dr. Allen was immensely interested in 
education; and as chairman of the School Board for half a 
century he made the schools of Northborough famous through- 
out the state. 

In 1834 he organized a private school of his own. He began 
by taking ten boys into his family. The venture was successful 
beyond his hopes, and within a short time he found it necessary 
to enlarge his already large house. This school, known far 
and near as "The Allen School" was continued for many years. 
Many boys who afterwards became famous in many walks of 
life were educated there. Even at this late date there is hardly 
a year that passes when some former student does not return to 
Northborough with his wife or children to point out to them the 
scene of his early school days. The Allen School and the Valen- 
tine School (to be spoken of later) were for a third of a century 
important institutions in the life of this community, and did 
more, perhaps, than anything else to make Northborough known 
throughout the state. 

One fact in connection with the Allen School is of special 
historical interest. From June, 1836 to March, 1837, the boys 
of this school published a paper known as The Meteor, all 
the mechanical, and part of the intellectual work of which was 
done by the boys themselves, the whole being under the super- 
vision of Dr. Allen. Editorials and contributions were solicited 
from many older people who discussed questions of interest to 
the community, and some of wider interest — chief among the 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 117 

latter being the slavery question, which at that time was beginning 
to be discussed vigorously throughout the country. 

The most important contribution which this little paper 
made to the history of the town was the naming of Mt. Assabet. 
It will be remembered that up to this time (1836) the beautiful 
hill in the center of our town had borne the name "Liquor Hill." 
Agitation for changing that name originated in The Meteor, 
and was carried on with such success that on July 4, 1836, the 
name was changed to "Mt. Assabet," the name it has since 
borne.* 

The Meteor was the first paper ever published in North- 
borough. 

Note. Among the pupils of the "Allen Home School" who afterwards 
became famous may be mentioned Webster Wells, for many years professor 
at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Robert S. Peabody, of the 
firm of Peabody & Stearns, one of the leading architectural firms of the 
country; Mr. Coolidge, headmaster of St. Mark's School, Southborough; 
and Adolph Low, a famous importing merchant of New York City, cousin 
of Mayor Seth Low's father. 

THE VALENTINE SCHOOL 

Another private school that brought fame to Northborough 
was the "Valentine Boarding School." This was widely known 
throughout eastern Massachusetts. It was kept by Elmer 
Valentine, father of Walter Valentine who still lives on the 
Valentine farm in the west part of the town. 

Elmer Valentine was born in Hopkinton, in 1795. His people 
moved to Northborough when he was a small boy and lived on 
the Dana Rice farm, near Straw Hollow. He was educated 
in the public schools of Northborough ; privately, by Rev. Dr. 
Allen; and at the Framingham Academy. Making teaching 
his profession, he taught for some time in the schools of this 
town. Later, he opened a private school in Boston where he 
had as pupils many boys who afterwards became famous, 
among whom were Rev. S. F. Smith, author of our national 
anthem, "America"; Charles Sumner, who so ably represented 
our state in the United States Senate at a time when that august 
body was composed of intellectual giants; George Sumner, 
brother to Charles; and the Hon. Gardner Colby, for whom 
Colby College was named ; Fanny Fern, the well-known authoress, 
and sister of N. P. Willis; and Mrs. Harrison Gray Otis, said to 
be the handsomest woman in Boston. 

In 1837 (probably) he gave up his Boston school and opened 
one in Northborough. That was the year of the great "panic." 

*The story of this interesting occasion is told under "Mt. Assabet.'.; 



118 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Whether that had anything to do with Mr. Valentine's change of 
location does not appear. For a while he lived on South Street, 
and conducted his school in the vestry of the Baptist Church 
(not the present church, but the original one which is now a 
tenement house at the corner of School and Summer Streets). 
The next year, 1838, he established himself in the west part of 
the town, on what is now the Walter Valentine farm. There the 
school was continued until 1865. 

Mr. Valentine was a very successful teacher, but he is remem- 
bered particularly for his beautiful penmanship. The few 
specimens of it which are still extant look like copperplate en- 
graving. The writer met an elderly gentleman in New Hamp- 
shire last summer who, when he learned that he lived in North- 
borough said, "Northborough? I used to live in Northborough. 
I was a pupil at Elmer Valentine's school. Mr. Valentine was 
a fine penman and he made fine penmen of his pupils. I could 
write a good deal better then than I can now." 

Apropos of Mr. Valentine's talent in this direction the follow- 
ing testimonials from early Boston newspapers are interesting. 
The Boston Evening Gazette said: "We have seen a very 
beautiful specimen of penmanship done by Mr. Elmer Valentine, 
which is highly creditable to his taste and talents. We know he 
has been very successful with the youth entrusted to his care, 
and several of the first writing masters in the country derived 
their instruction at his school." 

And the Bunker Hill Aurora said: "Mr. Valentine has lately 
published a new edition of his "System of Penmanship," which 
has heretofore sustained a high rank, with several additional 
copies of medium and running hand. From this gentleman's 
long experience and well-known ability as a teacher of this art, 
we have no doubt that those who may put themselves under his 
instruction will be amply compensated for their expense of time 
and money." 



CHAPTER XI 

THE UNITARIAN CHURCH* 

The corporate name of this society is "The First Congrega- 
tional Unitarian Church of Northborough." It was incor- 
porated under that name in 1911. When it was organized, May 
21, 1746, and thereafter until 1832, it was known as "The 
Church of Christ in Northborough" (with a change of town name 
that is the designation given to all the old New England churches 
of the Congregational order). After the organization of the 
Baptist Church (1827), and the Evangelical Congregational 
Church (1832), this society came to be known as the Unitarian 
Church, a name which it still bears. 

The only action the town took, with reference to the separa- 
tion, was on April 2 (the day before the Evangelical Congrega- 
tional Society, and ten days before the Evangelical Church was 
organized), when it appointed a committee "to take measures to 
form the town into parishes." The committee reported (ver- 
bally) November 12, "that they had caused the town to be formed 
into parishes." Since which time the old church was most 
generally spoken of as "The First Parish." 

The activities of the parish did not lessen after the separa- 
tion; on the contrary they increased. And within a year they 
found it necessary to ask the town to grant them permission to 
build a vestry under the town hall, that they might have more 
room. Permission was granted, and the town hall was moved 
across the street, raised, and a vestry built under it, all at the 
expense of the parish. The parish used, and paid rent on this 
vestry until 1848, when its own building was remodeled. f 

ALTERATIONS 

Some alterations in the church building were made in 1837 
at which time the old pulpit was replaced by a new one. The 
old pulpit was a huge affair, built against the rear wall of the 
church. Very radical changes were made in 1848— the galleries 
were taken out, the floor of the church was raised, and a vestry 
built underneath. The fioor at that time was on a level with the 
outside stone steps, and the front doors opened directly into the 

*For the history of this church prior to 1832, see chapter "The Northborough Meeting- 
house." 

tSee chapter "The Old Town Hall." 



120 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

vestibule. Before this change was made there were two rows 
of windows in the church, one above and one below the galleries; 
but when the galleries were removed the two rows of short 
windows gave place to the present row of long windows. In 
1872 changes were made in the vestry, at the solicitation of the 
Ladies' Society. One end of the vestry was converted into a 
ladies' parlor and a kitchen. It was in this same year that the 
roof of the church was slated, and the auditorium frescoed. 
All of these structural changes were done at considerable expense, 
which was met mostly by personal subscriptions. The parson- 
age was built in 1875 and its first occupant was Rev. Henry F. 
Bond, who became the minister in 1877. 

CHRISTENING FONT 

The church was presented with a heavy, cut glass christen- 
ing font in 1834. The gift was accompanied by the following 
letter, which explains itself. The letter was addressed to Dr. 
Allen, the minister: 

"Worcester, Dec. 18, 1834. 
"Sir: 

"You will oblige me by asking the society under your care to 
accept the font which will be delivered with this. It is a plain 
piece of cut glass, made under my direction for that purpose, and 
I hope will not be considered unworthy of a place upon the alter 
in the church. It is not designed to enrich the society but is a 
testimonial of my respect for it, and of my best wishes for its 
prosperity as a Christian community. 

"I am, Dear Sir, with Great Respects, your faithful friend, 

"J. Davis." 

"J. Davis" was "Honest John" Davis who, at the time, was 
Governor of Massachusetts. He was born in Northborough, 
and was reared in the church. 

It goes without the saying, that the gift was gladly accepted, 
and is today, together with the autograph letter which accom- 
panied it, counted among the treasures of the church. 

THE "TOWN" CLOCK 

There seems to be an almost universal misunderstanding as 
to the ownership of the clock in the church tower. People 
speak of it as the "Town" Clock, and think of it as being owned 
by the town. And so it is the "town clock," in the sense that 
it does service for everybody in the town, but in no other sense. 
It is the property of the church. 





THE UNITARIAN CHURCH, BUILT 1808 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 121 

On December 30, 1844, the church received a communica- 
tion from Jonas Ball, Esq., offering to donate a clock to be put 
into the tower of the church, on certain conditions. One of the 
conditions was, that the church should pay for installing the 
same. The conditions were readily accepted; and after passing 
a vote of thanks to Mr. Ball for his generous gift, the parish 
appointed a committee to superintend placing "the clock on 
the meeting-house." The clock was put into place the following 
year (1845), since which time it has kept time for the whole 
town. To be sure in these latter days, it sometimes gets balky 
and refuses "to go." But that is true of all clocks. In that 
respect, clocks show their kinship with human nature. All they 
need at such times is a little coaxing. 

THE ORGAN AND THE CHOIR 

Measures were taken as early as 1844 to procure an organ, 
but the organ was not forthcoming until 1851. It was made 
by George Stevens of Cambridge, at that time, and for many 
years thereafter, one of the prominent organ builders of the 
country. It was paid for largely by personal subscriptions. 

In this connection it will be interesting to read an observa- 
tion on the choir made by Dr. Allen in his twenty-fifth anni- 
versary sermon (1841). He said: "On the day of my ordina- 
tion (October 30, 1816), the singers' seats were filled, the ladies 
being tastefully adorned with white turbans and blue ribbons. 
"Italy," which was sung to the 278th hymn in Belknap, has ever 
since been one of my favorite tunes, and I never hear it, without 
a vivid recollection of the occasion when, as an ordained minister, 
I first listened to its sweet notes. 

"Mr. Cephas Newhall, now of Sterling, then an inhabitant 
of this town, was the leader of our choir here referred to, 
of whom it is no more than justice to say, that, in the selection 
of appropriate tunes, in adapting the tones to the sentiments 
expressed, and in exercising a sort of magic influence over the 
whole choir, so as literally to be their leader, drawing them along 
after him insensibly and without effort, he was surpassed by few." 

He adds: "At the time I came to this place, Watts's Psalms 
and Hymns were in use. Belknap was substituted for Watts 
on Thanksgiving Day, about one month after my ordination. 
Belknap was retained till January, 1835, when Greenwood's 
beautiful selection of Hymns was substituted for it, and gives, 
I believe, universal satisfaction." 

All of the hymn books mentioned above were very popular 
in their day, and were used quite extensively for many years. 
In 1868, Greenwood's was replaced by the Unitarian Hymn 



122 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

and Tune Book which did vaUant service for nearly a third of a 
century. In the meantime many hymn writers had arisen who 
had produced hymns of surpassing beauty. And when the 
present minister was settled (December, 1895) he regarded it as 
unfortunate that an otherwise up-to-date church should be 
neglecting these modern hymns. He had a profound reverence 
for the good things of the past, but he in no way neglected the 
good things of the present. He remembers to have preached a 
sermon one Sunday from the text, "Sing unto the Lord a new 
song." His arguments were convincing, and resulted in the 
introduction of a new "Hymnal: Amore Dei" (June 19, 1898). 
This hymnal is still in use. 

But to return to the choir: As far back as 1835 the question 
of establishing a singing school was brought before the parish 
meeting with the result that a committee was chosen to raise 
money for the support of a singing-school. It does not appear 
that this committee ever made a report. But on September 24, 
1838, the parish appropriated one hundred dollars "to defray 
the expenses of a singing-school," and Thaddeus Mason, Anson 
Rice, and Henry B. Phelps were appointed a committee to 
expend said money. From a report made to the parish the 
following spring we learn that the singing-school was held, that 
the money was wisely expended, and that Joseph Addison Allen 
was the teacher of the school. The next year the school was 
continued at the parish's expense, and for some years thereafter. 

The church choir about this time (1840) was said by the 
ministers who exchanged with Dr. Allen, to be the best choir 
in the county. It was composed as follows: Thaddeus Mason 
(who from all accounts had a magnificent tenor voice), was 
leader. Martin Stowe played the clarionet; H. R. Phelps, the 
trombone; Anson Rice, the violoncello; and Munroe Mason and 
Joseph Addison Allen, the violins. Lucy M. Allen (later, Mrs. 
James Davis), Mary W. Allen (later, Mrs. Dr. J. J. Johnson), 
and three daughters of Dr. Stephen Ball, were the leading women 
singers. 

This choir and singing-school were important institutions 
in their day, furnishing a great deal of the entertaiment of their 
time, not only for this church but for the town as well. The 
members were devoutly interested. And, as no one was per- 
mitted to sing in the choir on Sunday, who had not previously 
attended the rehearsal, interest was kept at a white heat. 

Thanksgiving Day was made much of in those days, a 
principal feature of which service being the music and singing 
by the choir. For weeks beforehand the anthems were re- 
hearsed and thoroughly learned; so that when the great day 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 123 

arrived, the choir was letter-perfect. The Thanksgiving Ball 
was a feature of the day which was looked forward to with 
pleasurable anticipation by everybody, especially by the young 
people. 

One grand event which looms up prominently in the history 
of the choir was the Grand Concert given in the church in 1840. 
It consisted mainly of choruses from the oratorios. The music 
books were loaned by the "Handel and Haydn" Society of 
Boston. The choir was drilled by Joseph Addison Allen, but 
the concert was conducted by Professor Muller of the Boston 
Academy of Music, who came to Northborough for that special 
purpose. 

That is one picture of a church choir, and it is good to behold. 
But alas! and alack! church choirs present two pictures — one when 
they are singing sweetly; another, when the minister is preaching. 

This particular choir was no exception to choirs in general. 
Having said all these nice things about it, the author ought to 
close his sketch. But in the interests of exact truth he feels 
bound to continue until he has told the whole story. So, with 
the relentlessness of Hamlet, he continues: "Look here upon this 
picture, and on this." 

Poor old Dr. Allen had his patience tried many times in not 
being able to hear himself speak because of competing voices 
at the opposite end of the church. Very frequently he was 
obliged to stop in the course of his sermon to reprimand the 
"sweet singers of Israel." And his reprimands were not always 
effective, save for the time being, for on the church records 
under date of November 1, 1841 is to be found this entry: ''Voted, 
to" choose two monitors to prevent whispering and disorderly 
conduct in the gallery of the Meeting-house during service on 
the Sabbath — chose M. L. Stowe and W. L. Haven." 

This heroic measure seems not to have had the desired effect, 
for in March, 1842, it was again voted "to choose a committee 
of fifteen persons to take such measures as they shall deem ex- 
pedient relative to detecting persons who have defaced the pews 
in the gallery of the Meeting-house by cutting and marking, 
and to prevent similar injuries in future; and also to prevent dis- 
orderly conduct in the Meeting-house on the Sabbath, and other 
days when it is opened for religious services." 

The preceding paragraph might not have been meant for 
the choir alone, for there were other people in the galleries 
besides the choir. But that the reprimands of Dr. Allen were 
meant for the choir admits of no doubt, for the writer was told 
by one of them that he addressed himself directly to the choir. 



124 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Just here, the writer feels bound to defend our present-day 
choirs from the imputation that they have degenerated from the 
choirs of olden times. Church choir quarrels are proverbial; 
but they are not a modern innovation, as the following fact will 
show: 

"At a parish meeting in November, 1841, a committee 
was appointed to investigate the musical instruments. This 
committee reported in March, 1842, that the double bass viol 
was in good condition, in the Meeting-house; the clarionet in 
good condition in the hands of M. L. Stowe; the bass viol was 
in the hands of Anson Rice who declined purchasing it, or giving 
it up, and who said that he did not know but that he could 
hold it by possession. The parish seems to have acted very 
wisely on this report; for instead of sending a sheriff to Mr. 
Rice and demanding the bass viol, it voted "to choose a com- 
mittee to request Anson Rice to return to the society and play 
as heretofore for said society upon the bass viol." 

THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL 

The Sunday-school is, comparatively speaking, a modern 
institution. Established in England by a poor workingman 
(Robert Raikes, 1780), for the purpose of teaching poor and 
neglected children the rudiments of knowledge, it soon developed 
into a school for teaching the children the rudiments of religion. 

A recent discussion of the question brought out the fact 
that Sunday-schools in New England came into being about 
the year 1820 (in one or two of the Boston churches). 

The Sunday-school of this church was not organized until 
1824. "But," says Dr. Allen, in his Half Century Sermon, 
"for several years before this date, even from the commence- 
ment of my ministry (1816), religious instruction had been given 
to the children and youth of the town, at first in the use of the 
catechism, and afterwards by written questions on portions of 
the Gospels; by our encouraging success in which I was induced 
to prepare the series of Question-Books to which reference 
has been made." 

The series of Question-Books to which he refers, are: "The 
Worcester Catechism," "Questions on the Old and New Testa- 
ments," "Questions on the Gospels," "Questions on the Acts," 
and "Questions on the Book of Genesis." These books were 
extensively used in the Sunday-schools of the Unitarian denomin- 
ation for many years. 

One interesting fact in the history of the Sunday-school was 
a public examination of the school held in the Town Hall on 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 125 

November 5, 1829, at which there were one hundred and thirty 
pupils present. 

COMMUNION SERVICE 

In the destruction of the parsonage by fire, the Church 
Records were lost — records from 1746 to 1780 (see chapter, "The 
Three Town Ministers: II Peter Whitney"). A new book was 
speedily obtained. The following inscription on the fly-leaf 
tells how: 

This Book Cost a Silver Dollar. 

NORTHBOROUGH ChURCH BOOK OF RECORDS, 1780. 

This Book was Given to the Church of Christ 
in Northborough 

By 
MR. THADDEUS FAY, 
A Member of Said Church, 
1780. 

In this new record book Peter Whitney records as much of 
the early history as he and some of the older members of the 
parish could recall. Among the items he records is the follow- 
ing statement concerning gifts made to the church. As the 
writer deems it of general interest he reproduces it in full, just 
as Mr. Whitney wrote it: 

"Soon after the ordination of Mr. Martyn, Mr. Martyn's 
mother (then a widow) of Boston, gave the church two flagons 
and four tankards for the wine, and two dishes, all pewter. 
Mrs. Martyn (wife of the minister) first lent the church a table- 
cloth and napkins, and then gave them; or died without reclaim- 
ing them. The table-cloth and napkins and one of the tankards 
were destroyed by fire when Mr. Whitney's house was burned, 
April 26, 1780. The church soon afterwards, by subscription 
procured another table-cloth and napkins. Capt. James Eager 
and Lieut. William HoUoway, leaving each a legacy to the 
church, the church therewith procured a silver cup, as appears 
by the inscription thereon, in the year, 1760 . . . and with 
the residue of their joint legacies the church procured a book 
for their records, which book was burned in Mr. Whitney's 



126 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

house. This present book was given to the church by Mr. 
Thaddeus Fay. 

"In the year 1760, Mr. Monis (who had been Hebrew in- 
structor in Harvard College) gave the church a new silver cup, 
as appears by the inscription thereon. He likewise gave them 
at the same time, a large silver tankard with an inscription 
thereon, similar to that on the cup he gave. (This silver tankard 
the church voted in 1811 to have made into two silver cups, which 
was accordingly done, with an inscription on each, showing them 
to be Mr. Monis' gift. 

"In 1768, Mrs. Anna Rice, relict of the late Deacon Rice, 
gave the church a handsome new silver tankard with their 
names inscribed thereon, as the tankard shows. Sometime after 
the year 1770 (the time cannot now be ascertained as the records 
were burnt) the church having money sufficient in the hands of 
the Deacons, purchased therewith two silver cups with this 
inscription since put on them — 'The Property of the Church in 
Northborough.' 

"In 1775, Mr. Pelatiah Rice gave the church, by will, with 
which, and thirteen dollars added by Mr. Thaddeus Fay, 
another cup was given to the church in 1797 with an inscrip- 
tion thereon. The church accepted ten dollars in the interest 
of the above legacy, with which and a voluntary subscription of 
several members of the church, another silver cup (of a new 
form) was purchased, with this inscription — 'The Property of 
the Church in Northborough.' At the same time, Capt. Gideon 
Tenney gave a cup to the church similar in form to the last men- 
tioned. 

"When the town built their new Meeting-house they included 
in the general expense thereof, the cost of the new, elegant ma- 
hogany Communion Table and two armed chairs, which was 
twenty-two dollars. Several years after Mr. Martyn was 
ordained the church purchased the present very decent baptismal 
basin, which cost in that day 8 shillings lawful money. 

"The above record is made from the best information I 
could get of ancient things and from my own knowledge of things 
since 1767. 

"Attest, Peter Whitney, Pastor^ 
"Northborough, May 5, 1812." 

TABLE STOLEN 

The "elegant mahogany Communion Table" spoken of 
above, was used until 1870. At that time an entirely new set 
of pulpit furniture was provided, including a new table. The 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 127 

old table, not harmonizing (in color) with the pulpit, was placed 
at the rear of the church where it served as a receptacle for 
denominational tracts until the early days of October, 1907, 
when it was stolen by a Worcester man who made the stealing 
of antique furniture his business. The author traced it to 
Joliet, Illinois, thence to Chicago. It went into the possession 
of a lawyer of unsavory reputation, from whom it could not be 
restored. 

THE PULPIT BIBLE 

One of the treasures of the church is its pulpit Bible in two 
volumes. The following inscription which appears on the fly- 
leaf of each volume explains where it came from: 

The 

PROPERTY 

of the 

CHURCH AND TOWN 

of 

NORTHBOROUGH. 

The 

GIFT 

of 

MR. JOSEPH FOSTER, 

A 

RESPECTABLE MERCHANT 

In the 

TOWN 

of 

BOSTON, 

JANUARY 31, 1809. 

BIRTHPLACE OF FREEMASONRY 

It has already been stated in another place, that the Evan- 
gelical Congregational Church was organized in the Unitarian 
Church. This church was also the birthplace of local Free- 
masonry. The first Masonic Lodge in what was once a part of 
Marlborough was consecrated in this church, January 1, 1811, 
Right Worshipful Grand Master, Timothy Whiting of Lancaster, 
officiating. The Grand Lodge opened its session at Abraham 
Munroe's Tavern. Then a procession was formed, consisting 



128 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

of the Grand Lodge, the Lodge about to be consecrated, and a 
number of the reverend clergy and brethren of other Lodges, and 
proceeded to the Meeting-house where the following exercises 
were carried out: 

1. An appropriate anthem. 

2. Prayer by the Grand Chaplain, Rev. James Thompson of 
Barre. 

3. An appropriate anthem. 

4. A Masonic discourse by the Grand Chaplain. 

5. Consecration of Fredonia Lodge. 

6. Installation of its officers. 

7. A Masonic address by the Grand Master. 

8. An appropriate anthem. 

The procession then reformed and returned to Munroe's 
Tavern "where they partook of an excellent dinner." 

The new Lodge bore the name, "Fredonia," and continued in 
existence until early in the thirties, when it was obliged to 
succumb (as did may other Lodges) on account of the Anti- 
Masonic agitation which was then sweeping over the country. 

The charter of Fredonia Lodge is now in the possession of 
United Brethren Lodge, of Marlborough. 

MINISTERS 

Rev. John Martyn, May 21, 1746 to April 30, 1767. 

Rev. Peter Whitney, November 4, 1767 to February 29, 1816. 

Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D., October 30, 1816 to February 
23, 1873. 

Rev. Trowbridge B. Forbush, January 1, 1857 to July 1, 1863. 

Rev. Joseph Henry Allen, D.D. (Supply), about two years. 

Rev. Henry L. Myrick, D.D., June 27, 1866 to October 
1, 1868. 

Rev. Frederick L. Hosmer, D.D., October 28, 1869 to October 
25 1872 

' Rev. Charles T. Irish, July 1, 1873 to July 1, 1876. 

Rev. Henry F. Bond, 1877 to June 1, 1882. 

Rev. Obed Eldridge, January 1, 1883 to 1891. 

Rev. James Aubrey Chase, 1892 to January 1, 1895. 

Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent, December 1, 1895 to April 
1, 1921. 




THE BAPTIST CHURCH, BUILT 1860 



CHAPTER XII 

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH 

The ecclesiastical history of every old New England town 
forms the most important part of the early history of that town. 
Originally, there was only one church — the town's Meeting-house. 
It was the common property of all the inhabitants, and all the 
inhabitants resorted to it on the Sabbath to partake of its spirit- 
ual ministrations. There was not much diversity of thought 
upon theological matters in those early days. With few excep- 
tions, all were happy and contented with the New England form 
of religion into which they were born, and in which they were 
bred. Our fathers took their religion very seriously: it formed 
an integral part of their character, and developed within them 
what has come to be known throughout the country as the 
"New England Conscience." This New England conscience 
was, for many years, a very real thing, and it reflected the hard, 
austere life which our forefathers lived on these barren hills. 

But human life is not static: and as the austere life of our 
fathers became less and less severe, and their simple life more 
complex, some changes of great moment were quietly taking 
place which were destined to work a complete revolution, not 
only in their individual lives but in the life of the communities 
in which they lived. 

Not the least of these changes was the revolution in theologi- 
cal thought. In a democratic country such as ours, founded 
upon the inherent right of every man to the exercise of his own 
conscience in the matter of government and religion, it is im- 
possible that there be only one church and one religion. We do 
not recognize the right of the state to impose any form of religion 
upon our consciences. Every man is "free and independent" 
in these matters to work out his own theological belief and to 
choose his own church. So it is not at all surprising that, in a 
town which had been foremost in shaking off the shackles of a 
form of government which was irksome to it there should 
develop a form, or forms, of religion different from that which 
had held sway for many years. 

So.it was in Northborough. "The Church of Christ," 
established in 1746, held undisputed sway over the moral and 
religious lives of the community for a period of eighty-one years, 



130 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

when its right to do so longer was challenged by a new organ- 
ization. 

The First Baptist Church of Northborough was organized, 
July 2, 1827, with the following membership: 

Samuel Gage Elmer Valentine 

Lewis Allen Rebecca C. Valentine 

Ruhamah Allen Willard Converse 

Daniel Gage Persis Rice 

Mary Gage Lydia Bride 

John Gage Lucinda Bride 

Samuel S, Gage Martha Brigham 

Martin Brigham Susan Eager 

Mary Brigham Mary B. Fisher 

Arte Patterson Lucy W. Fay 

Asenath Patterson Polly Rugg 

William Walker Eliza Munjoy 

Mary Walker Martha Munjoy 

But it must not be supposed that it blossomed out spon- 
taneously, all at once. No important organization is born in 
that way. The law of development must be followed in such 
a matter as in all other matters — "first the blade, then the ear, 
then the full grain in the ear." The facts in the present case 
are, the seeds of Baptist doctrine were sown in Northborough 
some years previously. A "Baptist Church" had been organ- 
ized in "Shrewsbury and Boylston" as early as 1812, and another 
in Westborough, in 1814. And as the social custom of "visiting" 
was more common in those days than in ours, it is fair to pre- 
sume that the doctrines of the new churches were freely dis- 
cussed on these visits. 

On April 22, 1812, Seth Grout filed a certificate with the 
Town Clerk saying he had affiliated himself with the Baptist 
movement in Westborough; and in 1814, when that movement 
crystalized into an organized church he was made a deacon, 
which office he held until his death in 1823. On April 21, 1814, 
Lewis Allen filed a similar certificate to the effect that he had 
joined the "Shrewsbury and Boylston" Baptist Society. And 
before the Baptist Church in Northborough was organized the 
following persons had filed similar certificates: 

April 25, 1814: Arte Patterson; Shrewsbury and Boylston 
Baptist Society. 

October 4, 1814: Elijah F. Valentine; Baptist Society, 
Westborough. 

October 7, 1814: Benjamin Warren, Jr.; Baptist Society 
Westborough. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 131 

June 26, 1815: Elijah Fay; Baptist Society, Westborough. 

June 26, 1815: Rice Fay; Baptist Society, Westborough. 

April 21, 1817: Joel Brigham; Shrewsbury and Boylston 
Baptist Society. 

April 26, 1817: Edward Bigelow; Shrewsbury and Boylston 
Baptist Society. 

June 6, 1817: Asaph Rice; Baptist Society, Westborough. 

April 22, 1820: Benjamin Flagg; Shrewsbury and Boylston 
Baptist Society. 

February 19, 1821: Eli Fairbanks; Baptist Society, West- 
borough. 

May 5, 1823: Ezra Brown; Shrewsbury and Boylston Baptist 
Society. 

Thomas W. Valentine, in his "Historical Discourse,"* says, 
"the first baptism in Northboro', so far as I have been able to 
discover occurred at the Factory Pond in 1811, when Eljah 
(probably Elijah) F. Valentine, Jane Mahan Valentine, his 
wife, Barbara Temple, and a Miss Phelps, were baptized upon 
a profession of faith in their Lord Jesus Christ — by what admin- 
istrator I have been unable to ascertain. These, with Benjamin 
Warren and wife, and perhaps one or two others, whose names 
I am unable to learn, attended meeting in Westboro', and, upon 
the organization of the Baptist Church in that town in 1814 
united with that body." 

Mr. Valentine also says: "In 'Straw Hollow' many such meet- 
ings were held (in private dwellings), and several professed con- 
version and were baptized. Among these were Joseph and 
Benjamin Fawcett, Joel Brigham, John Stiles, Jr., and others. 
Meetings for preaching also began to be held about this time 
in the easterly part of this town with some success. In October, 
1813, Lewis Allen and Arte Patterson, with their wives were 
baptized upon a week day, in the Factory Pond, by the Rev. 
Elias McGregory of Shrewsbury, an event that 'made no small 
stir among the people.' " 

It will be seen from the above that the seeds of the Baptist 
doctrine were being disseminated more or less generally, and 
that some of them had taken deep root as early as 1812 and 1813. 
But more were lying dormant awaiting a richer cultivation. 
This came in the early twenties, when the individual Baptists 
began to get together and hold meetings at one another's houses. 
They were as yet, few in numbers, but "strong in the faith." 
In 1827 they thought themselves numerous enough to be a 

♦"Fifty years of Pilgrimage," delivered before the First Baptist Church in North- 
borough, Mass., on the Semi-Centennial Anniversary of its Organization, July 2, 1877. 



132 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Society, and they accordingly held a meeting with the idea of 
organizing one. This meeting was held at the home of Mrs. 
Grout, widow of Seth Grout, who was one of the first deacons 
of the Baptist Society in Westborough.* It was the sense of 
this meeting that a church be organized; and the following 
persons were elected a committee to make arrangements for a 
future and final meeting: Elmer Valentine, Samuel Gage, Lewis 
Allen, Samuel Wood, and Captain Jeremiah Hunt. 

A Council of Delegates from the churches in Southborough, 
Westborough, Grafton, Shrewsbury, West Boylston, and Wor- 
cester was called for the second day of July. This Council 
assembled on the appointed day, and after listening to an en- 
couraging sermon t by Rev. Jonathan Going, of Worcester, 
"Voted unanim^ously to constitute a church." 

Thus the First Baptist Church of Northborough started on 
its career of usefulness, July 2, 1827. 

Let us pause for a moment to acquaint ourselves with the 
situation, and to learn if possible, what effect it had upon the 
community. This new religious movement was one of the most 
revolutionary events that had ever taken place in the town. The 
town was small, and the existing church none too large to extend 
religious ministrations to all. While but few members with- 
drew from the existing church and it was therefore little effected, 
a spirit of antagonism was aroused which, from all accounts, 
permeated the whole community. And that unhappy feeling 
persisted throughout many years. There are no quarrels so 
bitter as religious quarrels. 

Happily, at this late date, we may review the matter calmly 
and dispassionately. On the one hand was the existing church, 
which had been in operation eighty-one years. It had minis- 
tered successfully to the religious needs of the people during all 
that time. It had grown from very humble beginnings to a 
powerful and influential institution. It was then, the conserver 
of the religious hope and aspiration of the people. What more 
natural then, than that it should feel itself impugned by the 
erection of a new church? W'hat more natural than that Dr. 
Allen, its minister, who was also the minister of the town, should 
do everything in his power to preserve the integrity of the old 
organization? He did no more than any minister in our day 
would do under similar circumstances. 

On the other hand, there was a group of high-minded people 

*Mrs. Grout lived on East Main Street, in the house now occupied by James J. Wood. 
tMr. Going's text was Psalm xxxvii, 3 — "Trust in the Lord and do good; so shalt thou 
dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 133 

who had undergone a change in their theological beliefs. They 
could no longer give their allegiance to a church which did not 
believe as they believed. They were perfectly honest in their 
allegiance as they were in their beliefs. And they had an un- 
doubted right to withdraw from one church and to ally them- 
selves to another. In our day, such a change would pass un- 
noticed. In our day the estabhshment of a new church would 
attract no unfavorable comment. But we must remember that 
ninety years ago religious feeling ran high. The people then 
did not have so many matters to claim their attention as we 
have, and their thought was centered largely upon religion; 
and the people generally held to their theological beliefs with 
a tenacity that has seldom been equalled, and never surpassed. 

That a new church should have been established at this 
time was inevitable. New England was in the throes of a 
great theological discussion which shook it to its foundations; 
and in the heat of the discussion both sides to the controversy 
often forgot that true Christian spirit which they were supposed 
to exemplify in their dealings with one another. Such bitter 
criminations and recriminations are unseemly among Christian 
people; but we must remember that there is a good deal of human 
nature in all people. 

It is interesting to know what effect the establishment of 
this new church had upon Dr. Allen. He was the minister of 
the town, and as such, was vitally interested in the religious 
welfare of all the people. He was a young man of thirty-seven 
at the time, and had been settled eleven years. Naturally, 
any movement that threatened the disruption of his church 
was keenly felt by him. Doubtless, he labored to prevent such 
disruption (as any minister would do under similar circum- 
stances) ; but there was no bitterness in his heart, as is evidenced 
by the following sentiments which he recorded in his journal: 
"I think it is my desire to do good; let not this desire be weak- 
ened, let it rather be strengthened by the discouragements I 
am called to experience. Should those who have been my 
friends withdraw from my ministry, and endeavor to draw others 
after them, let me not be disheartened or dismayed. Let it not 
tempt me to withdraw my affection from them, or to labor and 
pray the less earnestly for their spiritual good." 

That the Baptists of this period were subjected to many 
petty annoyances, and perhaps to some that were not petty, 
goes without the saying, for, as a recent minister of the church 
said, some time ago, "the Baptists, one hundred years ago, were 
despised everywhere." Mr. Valentine relates the story of how 
one such annoyance turned out to be a blessing in disguise. He 



134 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

says: "Rev. Thomas Paul, of Boston, the well-known colored 
preacher, also occasionally visited this vicinity, and, in one 
instance, while preaching in a schoolhouse in Westboro', was 
somewhat disturbed by a company of young men, some of whom 
were from Northboro', who had gone to hear 'the nigger preacher,' 
only to have a little fun. Seeing what their object evidently 
was, the preacher suddenly stopped and said, 'Deacon, please 
to place a candle out there in the entry. The devil is out there, 
and he hates light.' The disturbance ceased at once; and more 
than that, the last remark, uttered in the peculiarly impressive 
manner of the preacher, was an arrow from the Almighty's 
quiver, even though the bow was drawn at a venture, which 
pierced between the joints of the harness, and carried convic- 
tion to at least one young heart. 'He who came to scoff remained 
to pray' ; and I trust I violate none of the rules of propriety when 
I add, that that young man has since long been well known in 
Baptist circles, and through the country, as the Honorable Isaac 
Davis, now (1877) of Worcester, but a native of this town." 

Mr. Valentine, too, is authority for the following story of 
Dr. Allen: "One good lady, yet living, in the early days of the 
Baptist Church, visited the factory village, with a view of 
gathering into the Baptist Sabbath -school, one or two stray 
waifs who did not attend such a school anywhere. The eagle- 
eyed 'minister of the town' heard of it, forthwith called upon 
the lady, and, in a two hours' argument, endeavored to convince 
her that she had done very wrong. 'What,' said she, 'are you 
not willing that I should seek out those who donH go anyu'here?" 
'No!' said he, decidedly. 'Not unless you bring them to MY 
Sunday-school.' " 

But Mr. Valentine goes on to say that Dr. Allen "outlived 
that feeling, and that all through the latter part of his ministry, 
he manifested only the most cordial and fraternal spirit toward 
other denominations." 

Another annoyance to which they were subjected concerned 
the selection of a site for their church. And again we quote 
Mr. Valentine: "The first spot selected was one in the rear of 
the Unitarian Meeting-house, near the old horse-sheds, then 
belonging to Mr. Lowell Holbrook. He, it appears, was willing 
to sell, until waited upon by a prominent member of the old 
church, and told that it must not be. They next applied for the 
lot on which the present house now stands, belonging to Mr. 
Samuel Fisher. Mr. Fisher's wife was then a Baptist, and he 
afterwards became one; but at that time he was a member of 
the old parish, and when a prominent citizen waited upon him 
to dissuade him also from selling, he hesitated. At this juncture, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 135 

the chairman of the committee began to feel some indignation. 
'If we can't have a spot on which to build a Baptist Meetmg- 
house in Northboro', he said, 'I'll see!' And forthwith he offered 
his own garden, one of the finest and most central lots m the 
village, on the corner of Main and South Streets, and now 
known as 'the Burnt District.' This settled the question; 
for no sooner did the landlord of the opposite hotel hear that 
the Baptists were going to build 'right under his nose,' than he 
hurried to Mr. Fisher, and urged him to sell the lot on which 
they finally built. But mark the providence of God in this 
case! Had the committee succeeded in getting the first lot, 
the Baptist Meeting-house would probably have been a full 
quarter of a mile out of the village (as too many Baptist houses 
of worship are), instead of in the very heart of it." 

This surely was a great hardship, and doubtless did more 
than any other one thing to intensify the bitterness already en- 
gendered against the First Parish. But this statement of Mr. 
Valentine will bear analysis. If, as he says, the "providence of 
God" intervened in the selection of a site, what quarrel had the 
Baptists with the Unitarians who refused to sell their land? 
Was not their refusal to sell part of that same "providence of 
God?" We cannot accept the one without the other, for it 
was all one process. One wonders what the feeling of any one 
of our churches would be today if an attempt were made to 
establish a church of another denomination in close proximity 
to it. Human nature has not changed very much since 1828; 
and we question whether Baptist human nature be very different 
from Unitarian human nature. 

Such annoyances, persecutions they may be called, are part 
of the inheritance of every important movement in this world 
that has ever amounted to anything; and they form the basis 
of our love and loyalty to every institution which we cherish. 
That is the principal reason why organic church union is a 
dream not likely to be realized in the near future. Every de- 
nomination is proud of its inheritance, and rightly so. But, as 
Christians, we can work together and must work together, else, 
our Christian religion will become a by-word and a hissing. 
"Paul may plant, and ApoUos may water, but God alone can 
give the increase." 

This church, like all our churches, had small beginnings. 
Obstacles, seemingly insurmountable, were overcome, and for 
three-quarters of a century the Baptist Church has been an 
influential factor in the life of the community. During the 
pastorate of Rev. William H. Dalrymple (1837-40) it put itself 
on record as being opposed to the national sin of slavery. And 



136 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

in 1842, during the pastorate of Rev. Bartlett Pease, it passed 
the following resolutions touching the same subject: 

''Resolved: That as a church of our Lord Jesus Christ we feel 
it to be our duty to bear public testimony against the oppressive 
and wicked system of American slavery — a system which in 
our opinion is subversive of the rights of humanity, the laws 
of order, and the principles inculcated by our Lord and Redeemer. 
And we are persuaded that if this system be tolerated and per- 
petuated in our country it cannot fail to bring down upon it 
the judgment of a sin-avenging God. 

''Resolved: That entertaining such views of this odious and 
abominable system, that we will not admit a slave-holding min- 
ister into our pulpit (knowing him to be such), nor a slave- 
holding, nor an advocate of slavery to our communion-table. 

"Resolved: That as disciples of Christ, we feel grieved that 
ministers of the Gospel and members of Evangelical churches 
should be found strengthening the hands of the oppressor, if 
not by actual apology, at least by leaving him unrebuked in 
his sins, and so far despising or forgetting the oppressed as to 
leave them to suffer and die in their bonds, without special 
prayer and effort for their speedy and entire deliverance; and 
that we do most affectionately and solemnly entreat such min- 
isters and church members to repent before God ; and henceforth 
'to remember those who are in bonds as bound with them,' 
and hastening with the oppressor and the oppressed to the 
judgment seat of Christ. 

"Resolved: That the Christian Reflector, in our opinion, is 
exerting a powerful influence in favor of the abolition of slavery, 
and for this reason we hope it will be extensively patronized. 

The church had hard sledding during the first twenty years 
of its existence. All of its members were comparatively poor 
and the church, therefore, could not pay its ministers a living 
salary. This accounts for the frequent change of ministers (ten in 
twenty years, one-fifth of which time there was no minister) . 

But a brighter day was dawning. In the summer of 1848, 
Rev. Charles Farrar became the minister, and he remained seven 
years. During his pastorate an event of great importance took 
place. The Society had been carrying a debt ever since the 
church was built. This debt forced them to practice the most 
rigid economy. But they needed a bell for their empty belfry, 
and decided to purchase one if they could get the money where- 
with to pay for it; and, says Mr. Simmons, in his unpublished 
history, "One of the members called upon Hon. Isaac Davis, 
of Worcester, for a subscription toward it. His reply was, 'Yes, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 137 

you need a bell; but there is one thing you need more. You 
owe a small debt upon that house to my grandmother, and it is 
time it was paid. First pay that off, and I will give you as 
large a bell as you can hang in that belfry.' They paid the 
debt and he gave the bell. So well was the lesson learned, that 
when the new house was dedicated it was free of debt." 

Mr. Simmons goes on to say that "the church today is as 
afraid of a debt as it is of the smallpox. Every Sunday morning 
the pastor and the sexton receive an envelope from the treasurer 
containing their salary; and other bills seldom run longer than 
a month, while the pastor is paid in advance when he goes on 
vacation."* 

One of the red-letter ministries of this church was that of 
Rev. Silas Ripley, whose pastorate (the longest in the history 
of the church) covered a period of ten years, 1855-65. He 
was a man whom "everybody respected and many loved." It 
was during his incumbency that the present church was erected. 

Mr. Ripley was followed by Rev. Darius F. Lamson, who 
remained eight years, 1865-73. His pastorate was marked 
by the purchase of the Baptist parsonage at a cost of $1,500, 
and by the installation of a baptistery. 

Rev. Edward A. Goddard served as pastor from 1877 to 
1878. That he did not serve longer was due to failing health. 
It was during his short pastorate however, that the church 
celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. Mr. Thomas W. Valentine, 
a Northborough man, but who for many years was a teacher in 
Brooklyn, N. Y., delivered an historical address on that occa- 
sion, which was afterwards put into print under the title "Fifty 
Years of Pilgrimage," and is the pamphlet so frequently quoted 
from in this chapter. Mr. Valentine was diligent and faithful 
in collecting and preserving every scrap of information con- 
cerning the earlier years of this church, which, except for his 
"labor of love" would never be known. Mr. Valentine was 
also a poet of no mean order. His long poem, read at the 
town's centennial anniversary in 1866, was one of the enliven- 
ing features of that occasion. He also read a poem at the dedi- 
cation of the Town Hall, in 1868, but this latter poem was never 
published, at least, not to the knowledge of the author. 

In 1883 the "Baptist Society" ceased to exist. On March 
10, of that year, it voted "to give back to the church all the 
property that they held in common with the church." It was 

*A fine illustration of church financing. This is characteristic of all the churches in 
Northborough. The writer has known all the ministers in town during the past twenty-five 
years, and he has yet to hear one of them complain that his salary is in arrears. His own 
check comes regularly every month. 



138 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

then voted that the Society disband. The action on both these 
votes was unanimous. Thus ended what is known as the "double 
organization," an arrangement common to all old churches, 
and which persists in some to this day. 

Rev. Charles D. Swett served the church from 1884 to 1890. 
And, says Mr. Simmons, "if numbers added, improvement of 
church property made, and increased efficiency of the church 
count for anything, his was the most successful pastorate of the 
seventy-five years." 

During the pastorate of Rev. Job H. Wells, 1891-93, the old 
cracked bell which for several years had sounded so harshly on 
the ears of sensitive and long-suffering people, was replaced by 
a new and larger one. 

The Rev. Charles Gilbert Simmons became pastor in 1898 
and remained until his untimely death in 1902. 

And just here we must pause a moment; for the mere mention 
of Mr. Simmons's name brings up a flood of pleasant recollec- 
tions. Mr. Simmons was a true pastor of this church — but he 
was more than that — he was a friend of the people. The writer 
of this sketch knew and loved him. The citizens of North- 
borough knew and loved him. He was genial; he was open- 
hearted; he was human, and "nothing that was human was 
alien to him." His good nature was effervescent. To be in 
his presence for a short or for a long time was like drinking a 
draught of tonic* 

The Rev. Charles Stanley Pease was pastor of this church 
from 1903 to 1910. Mr. Pease was greatly beloved by his church 
people, and, like his predecessor, Mr. Simmons, enjoyed the 
respect and admiration of the townspeople irrespective of their 
church affiliations. He was one of the founders of the North- 
borough Historical Society and took a deep interest in the affairs 
of the town. During his pastorate an addition, twelve feet deep, 
twenty-eight feet wide, and two stories high, including a new 
baptistery, was made at the rear of the church (1905), and both 
the interior and exterior of the church were newly decorated at 
an expense of $1,222. 

The present pastor. Rev. Andrew T. Ringold, began his 
ministry in 1916. 

At the beginning of this chapter mention was made of the 
hard feelings which were engendered during the early days of 
the church. 

As an evidence of how that rancorous feeling has passed 
away, we cite the following: 

*Mr. Simmons died at the Massachusetts General Hospital, September 8, 1902, as the 
result of an operation for appendicitis. The author was the last person from this town to 
see him alive. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



139 



Mr. Valentine in his Historical Discourse says, "He (Dr. 
Allen) was present at the dedication of this new sanctuary, and 
would unquestionably have taken a part in the services had he 
been invited to do so." In happy contrast to this, let us say 
that the writer of this sketch (who is the minister of the same 
church which Dr. Allen served) has been an honored guest at 
the Annual Home Gathering of the Baptist Church for fully 
fifteen years, and that at many of those gatherings, he was not 
only invited, but did "take part in the services." 

The Baptist Church, as already has been said, was organized 
in Mrs. Grout's house on East Main Street. Its first place of 
worship was in a small building in Mrs. Grout's yard, that had 
been used by Seth Grout as a country store. But they did not 
worship there long, however, for the following year, 1828, they 
built a church on the site of the present church (a few feet back), 
at a cost of $1200. This served them well for a third of a cen- 
tury, when it was replaced by the present more commodious 
structure (at a cost of $5000), which was dedicated on November 
28, 1860. The old church was sold, moved to the corner of School 
and Summer Streets, and is now occupied as a dwelling house. 



MINISTERS 
Rev. Jonathan E. Forbush, 
Rev. John Woodbury, 
Rev. Winthrop Morse, 
Rev. Alonzo King, 
Rev. Edward Seagrave, 
Rev. Wilson Crocker Ryder, 
Rev. William H. Dalrymple, 
Rev. Bartlett Pease, 
Rev. Artemas Piper, 
Rev. Tubal Wakefield, 
Rev. Charles Farrar, 
Rev. Silas Ripley, 
Rev. Darius Francis Lamson, 
Rev. William K. Davey, 
Rev. Edward A. Goddard, 
Rev. Jonathan Tilson, 
Rev. George Boice Titus, 
Rev. Charles Darius Swett, 
Rev. Job H. Wells, 
Rev. Henry D. Bentley, 
Herbert E. Wise, 
Rev. R. B. Moody (supply) Dec. 
Rev. Charles Gilbert Simmons, 
Rev. Charles Stanley Pease, 
Rev. Ernest E. Ventres, 
Rev. Andrew T. Ringold, 



1827-1828 

1830-1831 

1831-1832 

1832-1834 

1835-1836 

1837 (six months) 

1837-1840 

1841-1842 

1843-1844 

1846-1847 

1848-1855 

1855-1865 

1865-1873 

1873-1877 

1877-1878 

1878-1882 

1883 

1884-1890 

1891-1893 

1893-1895 

1895-1897 

1897 to April 1898 

1898-1902 

1903-1910 

1910-1915 

1916- 



CHAPTER XIII 

THE EVANGELICAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

The Evangelical Congregational Church, of Northborough, 
was organized April 12, 1832, with the following membership. 
Eleven of these members had never been afifiliated with any 
church before. All the others had been; and the church to 
which they had formerly belonged is indicated: 

Nathan Ball, Unitarian Church in Northborough. 

Susannah Ball, Unitarian Church in Northborough. 

Elizabeth P. Ball, Evangelical Congregational Church in 
Berlin. 

Jemima Ball, Evangelical Congregational Church in Berlin. 

Hannah (Day) Ball, on profession. 

Sophia Ball, Evangelical Congregational Church in Berlin. 

Sophia (Flagg) Ball, on probation. 

Holloway Brigham, Congregational Church, Westborough. 

Frances Brigham, Congregational Church in Westborough. 

Isaac Davis, Park Street Church in Boston. 

Polly Davis, Park Street Church in Boston. 

Adeline P. Davis, Evangelical Congregational Church in 
Berlin. 

Henry G. Davis, on profession. 

Susan B. Davis, on profession. 

Nahum Fay, Unitarian Church in Northborough. 

Lucy Fay, Unitarian Church in Northborough. 

Lewis Fay, Evangelical Congregational Church in Berlin. 

Anna Fay, Evangelical Congregational Church in Berlin. 

Grace Fay, Unitarian Church in Northborough. 

Grace H. (Sanger) Fay, Evangelical Congregational Church 
in Berlin. 

Martha L. (Long) Howe, on profession. 

Julia A. Howe, on profession. 

Maria (Seaver) Mandell, on profession. 

Edward Phelps, on profession. 

Asaph Rice, Congregational Church, Westborough. 

Hannah Rice, Congregational Church in Westborough. 

Benjamin Rice, Evangelical Congregational Church, in 
Berlin. 

Susannah Rice, Evangelical Congregational Church in Berlin. 

Alice Rice, Unitarian Church in Northborough. 




THE EVANGELICAL COXGREGATIOXAL CHURCH, BUILT 1847 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 141 

Lucy B. Rice, on profession. 
Charlotte (Whipple) Stone, on profession. 
William L. Throop, Evangelical Congregational Church in 
Berlin. 

Lucretia D. Throop, First Church, Norwich, Conn. 
Theresa (Maynard) Whitney, on profession. 
John Whipple, on profession. 

The Rev. W. A. Houghton, of Berlin (formerly of North- 
borough), in his "Semi-Centennial" address delivered in 1882, 
says: 

"Of incidental influences which conspired to induce the 
organization of the Congregational Church, was the death of 
a young man extensively known and much beloved in the town, 
Isaac B. Davis, son of Isaac Davis, Esq. His religious senti- 
ment was much quickened in his sickness, and his faith in Christ 
was firm. He left as his parting word to the young men who 
knew him, this message: 'Seek ye first the kingdom of God and 
his righteousness.' " 

Young Davis died January 7, 1832, and was buried from the 
Unitarian Church, which was kindly offered for the occasion. 
The funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Abraham C. Baldwin, 
pastor of the Evangelical Congregational Church, of Berlin, who 
chose for his text the farewell message of Davis to his young 
friends: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteous- 
ness." 

How much influence the death of Davis had upon the organ- 
ization of the new church does not appear. His death occurred 
in January, 1832, three months before the church was born, 
and services had been held in private houses for some time. 
Mr. Houghton was doubtless right in calling this an "incidental" 
influence. But it is interesting in any case; for little things are 
frequently the forerunners of great events. 

The compelling reason for the formation of the new church 
was unquestionably a theological one. Dr. Channing had 
preached his famous Baltimore sermon at the ordination of 
Jared Sparks in 1819, and from that time the Congregational 
churches of New England began to divide into "Orthodox" and 
"Liberal." Many of the old First parishes joined the Liberal 
movement, and in course of time came to be known as "Uni- 
tarian." But there were many members of those First parishes 
who could not conscientiously follow the Liberal movement. 
They therefore withdrew from their several churches and formed 
new ones. Many Orthodox Congregational churches date from 
about that time, notably the Park Street Church in Boston, which 



142 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

was organized with the avowed purpose of combatting the Liberal 
movement of the time. 

This schism in the Congregational body raged long and bitterly; 
and things were said and done by both sides that would scarcely 
be called "Christian" today. There is nothing people hold to 
so tenaciously as to their theological beliefs; and in holding to 
their theology they often forget to be Christian. This long 
controversy has happily run its course. True, heartburnings 
here and there, now and then disclose themselves; but the con- 
troversy is over and never again will be revived. This ter- 
centenary year of the Landing of the Pilgrims should brush 
away the last vestige of grievance and suspicion and ill-will 
from the two branches of the great and powerful Congregational 
church. 

Although the Society was formally organized on April 3, 
and the Church on April 12, preaching had been carried on 
throughout the previous winter, and several preliminary meet- 
ings were held. Thus, in January, a meeting was held at the 
home of William L. Throop* when measures were taken to pro- 
vide for regular preaching. On February 12, another meeting 
was held when it was agreed to form a society to be called the 
Evangelical Congregational Society, and a committee was ap- 
pointed to draw up a constitution for its governance. The 
idea of a house of worship took shape at this meeting too, and 
another committee was raised to formulate plans for raising the 
necessary funds for building the same. 

Five days later (February 17) the committee reported a 
constitution of which the following is the preamble: 

"Having associated ourselves together for the purpose of pro- 
vidingand maintaining the preachingof evangelical truth as taught 
by the Lord Jesus Christ and his inspired apostles, in the Bible, 
as we understand them, which are in addition to the social and 
moral virtues, the essential divinity, the distinct personality, 
equality and unity of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, the entire 
depravity of human nature prior to regeneration, the necessity of 
a radical change produced by the Word and Spirit of God, and 
the retributions of Eternity as embracing the Eternal blessedness 
of the righteous, and the everlasting punishment of the wicked, 
together with those other kindred doctrines usually considered 
as harmonizing with these, we agree to govern ourselves by the 
following constitution." 

On February 23, the Meeting-house committee reported that 

*Mr. Throop was a young man of twenty-eight at the time, and had not been in town very 
long. He lived in the house occupied until recently by Dr. Ira Guptil. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 143 

they had viewed with approval a certain piece of land as a 
suitable location whereon to stand the Meeting-house. This 
piece of land was owned by Mr. Asa Fay, who generously gave 
it to the Society on condition that the doctrines specified in the 
preamble should be preached in the Meeting-house to be erected 
thereon. And that there should be no evasion of the terms, it 
was stated in the deed of gift that "whenever these doctrines 
cease to be preached the land reverts to the original owner or 
to his heirs."* 

It was then voted to build a Meeting-house; and Isaac Davis, 
William L. Throop, and Lewis Fay, were chosen a committee 
for that purpose, all preliminaries having been effected. 

The Evangelical Congregational Church was organized 
April 12, 1832, in the Unitarian Church, the latter edifice having 
been offered and accepted for that purpose. The sermon was 
preached by Rev. J. S. C. Abbott, f of Worcester, from the text, 
"I came not to send peace, but a sword." Mr. Houghton ob- 
serves (in his semi-centennial address), "from reports I judge 
the sermon was somewhat militant." Quite likely it was. Mr. 
Abbott was only twenty-seven years old at the time, just the 
age when a young man enjoys militancy. Mr. Abbott after- 
wards became a famous author of historical and biographical 
literature. 

In the meantime, work on the new Meeting-house was 
progressing rapidly. Between the organization of the church 
(April 12) and July 1, services were held alternately at the 
homes of Esq. Davis and Mr. Throop. Sometimes they had a 
preacher, but more frequently Mr. Nahum Fay read a printed 
sermon. 

On July 1, the church was so far advanced as to permit the 
use of the vestry. The service on that day therefore, was held 
there, a Mr. Este preaching the sermon from the text Gen. 
xix, 27, 28. And thereafter, until the church was dedicated, 
services were held in the vestry. 

The new church was dedicated and its first minister, Samuel 
A. Fay, was ordained, on Wednesday, October 17, 1832, as 
follows : 

Dedicatory Prayer: Rev. Mr. Rockwood, of Westborough. 
Sermon: Rev. Dr. Fay, of Charlestown. I Cor. iv, 15, "For 
in Christ Jesus I have begotten you, through the gospel." 

*This piece of land is at the junction of Boylston and Pleasant Streets. The Church 
built thereon is now a dwelling house, owned until recently, by Miss Ellen Williams and 
Mrs. Annie D. Fairbanks. 

tMr. Houghton is in error in his "semi-centennial" address, when he says that Mr. 
Abbott preached the sermon at the dedication of the Church. Mr. Abbott preached at the 
organization of the church. 



144 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Consecrating Prayer: Rev. Dr. Fay, of Charlestown. 

Charge to the Minister: Rev. Mr. Rockwood, of Westborough. 

Right Hand of Fellowship: Rev. Mr. Chickering, of Bolton. 

Charge to the People: Rev. Mr. Badger, of Andover. 

Concluding Prayer: Rev. Mr. Baldwin, of Berlin. 

The dimensions of this first church building were thirty-six 
by forty-six feet. It had a vestry beneath it, four feet below 
ground and four feet above ground. It cost $2100; $1000 of 
which was contributed by members and friends of the congre- 
gation, $600 by friends from abroad, leaving a debt of $500, on 
the day of dedication. 

A communion service was presented to the church in October, 
1832, by Rev. Warren Fay, of Charlestown, father of the first 
minister. A book for the church records was presented by 
Mark H. Newman, of Andover. 

The church was without a bell until 1835, when one was 
procured through the active interest of the young minister. It 
was made by the Revere Copper Company, of Boston, weighed 
978^ pounds, and cost $280. It was put into place December 
19, 1835.* 

The Rev. Samuel Austin Fay, the first minister of this 
church, was of Northborough stock. He was the son of Rev. 
Warren Fay, D.D., then of Charlestown, and grandson of Nahum 
Fay, of Northborough. He was graduated from Amherst 
College and from the Andover Theological School. He was only 
twenty-two years of age at the time of his ordination to the 
Christian ministry. He was a young man of promise, but his 
health was never robust. He resigned in 1836 and went to 
Barre, that he might be benefited by the higher altitude of that 
place. He did not remain there long however, for constantly 
failing health forced him to resign his pulpit and leave the 
ministry altogether. He became the principal of Munson 
Academy, and served in that capacity until 1843, when death cut 
short his earthly career. He was buried with his fathers in 
Northborough. 

REV. DANIEL H. EMERSON 

Mr. Fay was succeeded by Rev. Daniel H. Emerson. Mr. 
Emerson was born in Salem, January 23, 1810. He was or- 
dained in Northborough, October 19, 1836, his father. Rev. 
Dr. Reuben Emerson, preaching the ordination sermon from the 
text Daniel xii, 3. The new minister occupied his pulpit on the 
Sunday following his ordination, and then started on a long 

* From this point on, the author acknowledges his obligations to William H. Steams, the 
clerk, and to Mrs. Francis H. Atwood, the historian of this society. Both have aided him 
very materially. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 145 

journey which kept him away nearly a month. When he re- 
turned to Northborough he brought a wife with him. In the 
meantime he had married Miss Lucy Ann Page at Fairfax County, 
Virginia. She was born in Salem, Mass., March 29, 1810, and 
hved there until 1835, when she moved to Virginia. The 
marriage took place November 7, 1836. The happy couple 
arrived in Northborough, November 17, and Mr. Emerson 
preached on the following Sunday morning from the text, "Come 
unto me .... and I will give you rest;" and in the afternoon 
from the text: "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I 
am meek and lowly in heart." 

History doth not record what effect the announcement of 
those texts had upon the congregations. 

REV. JOSHUA BATES, D.D. 

The next minister in succession was Rev. Joshua Bates, D.D. 
Dr. Bates was a very eminent man, and a very active man, 
remaining in public life as preacher or college president upwards 
of half a century. At the time of his death, his friend of thirty 
years, Dr. W. B. Sprague, of Albany, said of him, "during his 
long life his force of intellect, his firmness of purpose, and energy 
of action remained unabated, and his last labors were among 
his most earnest and effective." 

Dr. Bates was born in Cohasset, Mass., March 20, 1776. 
He used to say that he "was born a subject of King George the 
Third, and was three months older than our National Indepen- 
dence." As a boy he worked on his father's farm; but while 
cultivating the lands he, at the same time, gave diligent attention 
to the cultivation of his mind. This made him a highly edu- 
cated man. He was graduated from Harvard College in 1800; 
taught at Phillips Academy, Andover, one year; was licensed to 
preach in April, 1802; was ordained to the Christian ministry 
and settled as minister of the church at Dedham, March 16, 
1803. After a successful pastorate of fifteen years he resigned 
his charge in March, 1818, to become the president of Middle- 
bury College. He served in this capacity with marked ability 
for more than twenty-one years, resigning his arduous duties 
in 1839. For a while he served as chaplain in the United States 
Congress. Was pastor in Northborough from March 31, 1841, 
until December, 1842. He did not go through the formalities 
of settlement in Northborough, but for reasons of his own, re- 
mained as supply. Leaving Northborough early in January, 
1843, he was settled over the church in Dudley, remaining 
there until his death, in 1854. 

It has been said of him that "one could hardly say for what 



146 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

he was most distinguished or for what he was least distinguished ; 
but one could say with confidence that he was distinguished for 
doing everything well." 

THE PRESENT CHURCH BUILDING 

The Rev. WilHam A. Houghton became pastor of this church 
in 1843 and remained as such until 1851. 

Mr. Houghton was a native of Berlin, Mass., being of the 
seventh generation of Hough tons in that town. He was gradu- 
ated from Yale College in 1840, and from Yale Divinity School 
in 1843. In 1833 he was living in Northborough and became a 
member of this church. Leaving the Northborough church in 
1851, he became the pastor of the Berlin church in 1853 (October 
26), remaining as such a quarter of a century (October, 1878), 
when he resigned. He was made pastor emeritus, and died 
there, March 21, 1891, at the ripe age of seventy-eight years. 

It was during Mr. Houghton's ministry that the present 
church was erected (1847). When the idea of building a new 
church took definite form it was decided "to build a church with 
seventy pews dividing the cost of same into seventy shares." 
Each share represented $100. In January, 1848, as the church 
was nearing completion, the shares were increased to seventy- 
two. They were taken as follows: 



Isaac Davis, 


10 


Benjamin Rice, 




Silas Haynes, 


10 


Jeremiah Hunt, 




Nathaniel Fisher, 


10 


Martin L. Rice, 




Abraham W. Seaver, 


7 


John F. Fay, 




Lewis Fay, 


10 


A. B. Rice, 




Horace S. Fiske, 


2 


Warren E. Moore, 




Columbus Eames, 


2 


Abraham Fay, 




John Glazier, 


1 


Sophia Ball, 




Abel Fawcett, 


1 


Cyrus Davis, 




Martha Davis, 


1 


Foster Shaw, 




Susan B. Bruce, 


1 


Warren Fay, 




Anna W. Farland, 


2 


Seth Flagg, 




Horatio T. Carruth, 


1 


One in the name 




Cyrus Gale, Jr., 


1 


of the Society, 


1 



The church was built in 1847, and was dedicated February 
23, 1848, the pastor, Rev. William A. Houghton, preaching the 
dedicatory sermon, from the text I Timothy i, 11, "The Glorious 
Gospel of the Blessed God." 

The church records make no reference to the dedication, 
save to a bill that was paid for music. And no data from any 
other source are available. Mr. Houghton's sermon was printed; 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 147 

but it is entirely a theological discourse and does not contain 
the program of dedication. It does say, however, near its close, 
that "A kind providence has prospered the labor of your hands. 
No calamitous accident has befallen those who have constructed 
this sanctuary of our God." He adds, "The project of building 
this sanctuary of God, originated in the professed desire to 
promote His glory, and the truth as it is in Jesus. Its founda- 
tions were laid in prayer, though without ceremony. Prayer, 
we trust, has attended its progress and completion. And today 
it has been consecrated to Almighty God, in prayer and solemn 
dedication." 

The total cost of the church was $8206.07. The Building 
Committee were Nathaniel Fisher, Abraham W. Seaver, Horace 
S. Fiske, John Glazier, and Columbus Eames. 

CHURCH STEPS REMOVED 

A very radical structural change in the church building 
took place in 1871. When the church was built the vestry, as 
now, was entirely above ground, and was entered, of course, 
directly from the lawn; but not so, the auditorium. That was 
entered by means of a flight of steps extending entirely across 
the front of the church. They looked very well; but they were 
exceedingly dangerous in windy and in icy weather. In 1871 
they were removed, and the present easy and safe entrance to 
the church was substituted. 

In that same year the present pulpit desk and chairs were 
introduced. 

IRON FENCE REMOVED 

Originally the church property was enclosed (on the front) 
by a neat iron fence. That was removed in 1887; the two 
granite gate posts, still standing, are all that remains of it. 

CHURCH RENOVATED 
Another very radical change was made in 1907. The steeple 
for a long time had been causing trouble. It leaked; and the 
water seeping through into the choir loft destroyed the plaster- 
ing. Much money was spent upon it at this time to put it into 
good condition. It was thought best however, to do away with 
the choir loft altogether. This was accordingly done. The 
open space was boarded up, and the organ removed to its 
present location at the front of the church. The wing pews, 
and two rows of pews extending across the entire width of the 
church were removed, and the pulpit platform was much 
extended. The floor carpets were removed and the floor painted. 
The walls and ceiling of the auditorium were covered with 
metal. 



148 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

All this was done at considerable expense, and the audience 
room was reoccupied on Sunday, November 3, 1907, when the 
following programs were rendered: 

Morning Service 
Organ Voluntary. 
Doxology. 
Invocation. 

Anthem: "Sing unto the Lord." Schnecker 

Responsive Readings: Selection 49; page 74. 
Hymn: No. 757. 

Scripture: Rev. E. A. Adams, D.D. 
Solo: "The New World." Mary A. Bissell 

Mr. \Vm. F. Sims. 
Prayer: Rev. Horace Dutton. 
Notices. 
Ofifering, with Solo: "Come unto Me." Little 

Mrs. H. Prescott Brigham. 
Hymn: No. 627. 

Sermon: By the Pastor, Rev. A. D. Smith. 
Hymn: No. 220. 
Prayer and Benediction: Rev. H. V. Emmons. 

Evening Service 

Organ Voluntary. 

Doxology-: "Holy, Holy, Holy." 

Invocation: Rev. J. C. Kent, of Northborough. 

Anthem: "How Excellent is Thy Loving Kindness." Bissell 

Scripture: Rev. Horace Dutton, of Auburndale. 

Hymn: No. 211. 

Address: By the Pastor, Rev. A. D. Smith. 

Dedicatory Sentence: 

We reconsecrate to Thy worship this beautiful house 
which has once been dedicated to Thy name, and with it 
we renew the consecration of ourselves to the service and 
glory of God. May the beauty and the favor of the Lord 
our God be upon us. Amen. 

Prayer: Rev. E. A. Adams, D.D. 

Solo: By Mrs. Minnie A. Hildreth. 

Address: By Rev. S. I. Briant, of Westborough. 

Hymn: No. 915. 

Address: By Rev. A. H. Sedgwick. 

Address: By Rev. C. O. Parker. 

Hymn: No. 35. 

Prayer and Benediction: By Rev. C. S. Pease of Northborough. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 149 

REV. SAMUEL S. ASHLEY 

Rev. Samuel S. Ashley was installed July 16, 1852, and 
served the parish a period of twelve years, until October 1, 1864. 
He was born in Cumberland, R. I., May 12, 1819, and died 
October 5, 1887. He was graduated from Oberlin College in 
1849, and was settled at Tiverton Globe Village that same year. 
Leaving Northborough in 1864 he entered the service of the 
United States Christian Commission where he remained until 
the close of the Civil War. He was a member of the North 
Carolina Constitutional Convention; was the first Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction under the reconstruction; was at 
Straight University, at New Orleans, in 1871; was employed by 
the American Missionary Association at Atlanta, Ga., in 1874; 
returned to Northborough in 1878, where he was postmaster 
from 1883 to 1886. 

REV. HORACE BUTTON 

The Rev. Horace Dutton served as pastor of this church for 
a period of nine years (1870-79). He was never settled. He 
was graduated from Yale College and from Andover Theological 
School. He was a good pastor and a good man, and to the end 
of his life (August 1920) maintained a tender and friendly 
interest in the church. He was a man of some means, and 
when he retired from the pastorate of this church he retired from 
the active work of the ministry, and spent the remainder of his 
life in philanthropic and charitable pursuits. 

THE ADAMS BROTHERS 

Two pastors whose names are held in tender remembrance 
by the older members of this church were George Blake and 
Edwin A. Adams. It is said of the former that "few men have 
ever entered a community and so immediately endeared them- 
selves to the hearts of the people as he did. His talents were 
of such an order that their recognition was immediate and 
marked. He was a brilliant speaker, having fine gifts in the 
divine art of utterance, and was ready at all times and upon 
every occasion to lift his voice in behalf of every interest precious 
to God and dear to humanity. Young, consecrated, and ambitious 
in the cause of his Master, he entered upon his work with a 
zeal beyond his endurance. He died, beloved and lamented, 
August 25, 1881."* 

He was succeeded, a year later, by his brother, Edwin, who 
had but recently returned from Prague, Austria, where he had 

♦Mrs. Francis H. Atwood. in an unpublished sketch of this church. 



150 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

served for ten years as missionary in the employ of the American 
Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions. Leaving North- 
borough in 1884, he went to Chicago to engage in missionary 
work among the Bohemians. Mr. Adams, throughout the inter- 
vening years, has kept up his interest in this church, and when- 
ever possible, returns to occupy its pulpit. He is always a 
welcome visitor. 

MORE RECENT MINISTERS 

Rev. Edward L. Chute ministered to this parish eleven years 
(1885-96); Rev. Albert D. Smith, nearly twelve years (1896- 
1907); Rev. John H. Hoffman, nearly four years (1909-12); 
Rev. Frank L. Bristol, four years (1913-17); and the Rev. 
Albert P. Van Dusen, seventeen months. The present pastor, 
Rev. Seldon E. McGeehon, began his ministry on April 1, 1920. 

This church has always prided itself upon being a temperance 
church. And well it may; for when it was organized, in 1832, 
a temperance reform which was destined to place the prohibitory 
amendment into the Constitution of the United States, was 
just beginning. Drinking liquor was a common practice among 
all our American people. The temperance movement was un- 
popular, and good people, and churches even, were loath to 
give it their moral support. But this church before it was a 
year old (January 7, 1833) took a very decided stand in favor 
of temperance, as the following preamble and resolutions will 
show: 

"Viewing with heartfelt regret the prevalence in our land of 
the vice of intemperance, and regarding the use of distilled 
spirit as an article of luxury as not only needless, but highly 
pernicious; and believing that no person ought to be enrolled 
as a member of the visible church unless he totally abstains 
from it except as a medicine in case of bodily infirmity, there- 
fore, be it 

''Resolved: that we will admit none to our fellowship in this 
church without their assent to the spirit and letter of the fore- 
going preamble. And selling as a drink, or drinking ardent 
spirits shall be considered a disciplinary offence as contrary to 
the spirit of the gospel." 

MISCELLANEOUS FACTS 

The Clock. The clock in the auditorium was presented to the 
church by Rev. Warren Fay, D.D., father of the first minis- 
ter, April 12, 1855. Mr. Fay had retired from the active 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 151 

ministry and at the time, was living in Northborough. In 
his letter of presentation he said, "A clock within a house of 
worship, I have well known from many years' experience, is 
a great convenience to the minister. ... I present this 
clock to the Evangelical Church and Society to be their 
property so long as they maintain the stated preaching of 
the gospel in accordance with the present Calvinistic, Or- 
thodox creed of the church as expressed in their Articles of 
Faith." 

Afternoon Preaching. Afternoon preaching was discontinued 
after July 16, 1871. Previous to this date, churches of the 
Congregational order (and some others) held preaching ser- 
vices both morning and afternoon. 

Great Fire. Northborough was visited by a great fire on July 
21, 1871. Several buildings in the center of the town were 
destroyed. The roof of this church caught several times, and 
it would doubtless have burned down had it not been for the 
untiring efforts of Rev. Mr. Dutton, Milo Hildreth, Dr. Jewett, 
and other members of the church. They carried water to 
the roof, which was thus kept wet. 

Parsonage. The parsonage was acquired August 25, 1875, during 
the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Dutton. It is on record that 
"a vote of thanks was extended to Rev. Horace Dutton for 
his generosity and for his personal efforts in raising money 
to pay for the parsonage." 

Pulpit Bible. The pulpit Bible was a gift to the church from 
Mrs. Martha Dutton, 1875. 

Communion Service. On October 17, 1872, a special gathering 
was held in the vestry on which occasion a new communion 
service was presented to the church. The old service, 
presented by Dr. Warren Fay in 1832, was given to a church 
in Independence, Kansas, in July, 1874. 

Conference. October 30, 1874, this church dissolved its con- 
nection with the Worcester Central Conference and united 
itself with the Middlesex South Conference. 

Alterations in the Vestry. Alterations in the vestry were made 
during Mr. Chute's pastorate, 1890; the vestry was parti- 
tioned into separate rooms, and an extra window added to 
the parlor. 

The Church Bell. The church bell cracked in 1887 and a new 
one was installed in that same year. It cost $221.24. 

Women Obtain Their Rights. On April 30, 1878, the women were 
given the right to vote in the Evangelical Congregational 
Society. 



152 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The ''Society Disbands. On January 21, 1918, the Evangelical 
Congregational Society, organized April 3, 1832, met for 
the last time. Fourteen members were present, and they 
voted to disband the "Society." 

The Church Incorporated. This step was taken in consequence 
of the incorporation of the Church in November, 1917. 
Thus ended what is known as "double organization." 

Electric Lights. Electric light was introduced into the vestry 
in 1909; and into the auditorium in 1919. 

MINISTERS 

Rev. Samuel A. Fay, October 17, 1832 to October 19, 1836. 

Rev. Daniel H. Emerson, October 19, 1836 to April 23, 1840. 

Rev. Joshua Bates, D.D., March 31, 1841 to December, 1842. 

Rev. William A. Houghton, July 5, 1843 to June 11, 1851. 

Rev. Samuel S. Ashley, June 16, 1852 to October 1, 1864. 

Rev. George E. Sanborn, July 21, 1865 to March 31, 1870. 

Rev. Horace Dutton, April 1, 1870 to May 1, 1879. 

Rev. George B. Adams, November 19, 1879 to August 
25, 1881. 

Rev. Edwin A. Adams, D.D., September 1, 1882 to September 
1, 1884. 

Rev. Edward L. Chute, February 24, 1885 to March, 1896. 

Rev. Albert D. Smith, August 1, 1896 to June, 1907. 

Rev. John H. Hoffman, January 21, 1909 to December 
1, 1912. 

Rev. Frank L. Bristol, June 1, 1913, died August 5, 1917. 

Rev. Albert P. Van Dusen, April 1, 1918 to September 7, 1919. 

Rev. Seldon E. McGeehon, April 1, 1920. 




THE CATHOLIC CHURCH, BUILT 1883 



CHAPTER XIV 

ST. ROSE OF LUNA CHURCH 

Catholicism in Northborough dates back to 1843. Two 
years before that date Cornelius MacManniman brought his 
family from Ireland and took up his residence in the east part 
of the town, on what is now the Thomas H. Blair estate. The 
one-story cottage house in which he lived is still standing, though 
now it is two stories high. It was raised a few years ago and 
another story built under it: Mr. MacManniman's son repeatedly 
told the author that his father's family was the first Irish family 
to live in this town. This was undoubtedly true; but there were 
individual Irishmen living here long before the MacMannimans 
came. One such lived here as far back as 1799, he having come 
here with Stephen Williams in that year. 

Mr. MacManniman was a devout Catholic, as was also his 
wife. In 1843 there were a few more of that faith living in the 
town; enough in fact, for the holding of mass. And in June of 
that year the Catholic mass was said for the first time in North- 
borough, in the kitchen of the MacManniman home. Thereafter 
mass was said there at more or less regular intervals until early 
in the sixties, when the Catholics had become so numerous that 
a private house was not large enough to accommodate them. 
During the seventeen years or more that services were held in 
the MacManniman home the spiritual needs of the Catholics 
were ministered to by priests from Marlborough — Fathers 
Conlen, Gouesse and McGuire. The following early Catholics are 
known to have attended services in the above-mentioned home, 
and may be considered, therefore, the pioneers of the present 
Catholic Church: 

Mr. and Mrs. Richard Aylward 
Mr. and Mrs. James Carrigan 
Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Carrigan 
Mr. and Mrs. Dennis Collins 
Miss Ellen Daley 
Mr. and Mrs. William Ellsworth 
Mr. and Mrs. Morris Fitts 
Mr. and Mrs. John Gilson 
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Griffin 



154 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Griffin 

Mr. and Mrs. J. Griffin 

Mr. and Mrs. Walter Gorman 

Mr. and Mrs. James King 

Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius MacManniman 

Miss Ellen McManis 

Mr. and Mrs. John Mooney 

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mooney 

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Morrissey 

Miss Barbara Norton 

Miss Bridget Murray 

Mr. and Mrs. John Ryan 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Sullivan 

Mr. and Mrs. Teahn 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles Tenney 

The Catholic church, like the three Protestant churches, 
had small beginnings; and, like them, again, their first services 
were held in private houses. The MacMannimans are known 
to have walked to Worcester frequently (ten miles) on Sunday 
mornings in order to attend five o'clock mass. Others put 
themselves to the expense of hiring teams to take them to 
Worcester for the same early mass. Still others journeyed to 
Westborough and to Marlborough. It is such devotion to their 
religion as this that made the present Catholic church a possi- 
bility, and which makes all Catholics proud of their history. 

Mass was also said for a while at the home of Mr. and Mrs. 
John Ryan (a small house that stood on the corner of Hudson 
and River Streets, the site now occupied by the Whittaker and 
Bacon Mill). Father Donovan officiated there. 

In the meantime. Catholics were growing in numbers, and 
for a while worshipped in the old town hall. Upon the com- 
pletion of the new town hall in 1868 they occupied the eastern 
end of the third story of that building, until it was condemned 
as unsafe, when they moved into the western end. It was in 
the eastern end of this upper hall where Father McGuire pre- 
pared the first class of children for confirmation — the confirma- 
tion itself taking place in the old Marlborough church. 

The Westborough priests who ministered to the religious needs 
of the Northborough Catholics were Fathers Donovan, Egan, 
Cronan, Anderson, Kittredge, Peurcel and Burke. 

Up to this time this small movement was known as a Catholic 
mission. But in 1886 the movement had grown to such propor- 
tions that the mission was made a parish, and the Rev. James 
McCloskey was placed over it as its first priest. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 155 

THE CHURCH BUILDING 

The present church edifice was erected in 1883, and the 
following program was rendered at its dedication : 

Blessing of the building: Rt. Rev. P. F. O'Reilly, D. D., 
Bishop of Springfield. 

Celebrant of mass: Rev. Michael H. Kittredge. 

Preacher: Rev. James Boyle. 

Patrick Ford of Boston was the architect. Rev. Richard 
S. J. Burke, rector of Westborough and Northborough, directed 
the building of the church. 

The church has steadily grown in membership until now it 
comprises nearly five hundred souls. 

Rev. James A. Hurley, S.T.L., the present priest, has been 
settled here since July 4, 1912. 

LIST OF PRIESTS 

Father James McCloskey Father Levi J. Achim 
Father James Galvin Father Thomas P. Smith 

Father Dwyer Father James A. Hurley 



CHAPTER XV 

EARLY INDUSTRIES OF NORTHBOROUGH* 

England sent to New England twenty thousand emigrants 
during the twenty-year period, 1620-40. Thereafter, for one 
hundred and fifty years very few came. At the time of the 
American Revolution the inhabitants of New England were 
nearly all descendants of the first twenty thousand immigrants. 

As none but church members were permitted to vote (though 
all were taxed), town government was in reality parish govern- 
ment. 

Each town was inhabited chiefly by like-minded people — as 
those who differed from the established standards were obliged 
to move on. Early town meeting records contain frequent 
warnings to people to leave town. Cambridge, Mass., (while 
yet called Newtowne) lost half its population in 1636 because 
of objection to parish government as administered to the town. 
The hanging of Rev. George Burroughs in Salem, in 1690, was 
a climax to his having dared to differ from the other clergy. 

Every man was expected to have a farm and annually to 
accomplish certain results — like clearing a bit of the forest, 
burning the cut timber, harrowing seed grain, and the ashes into 
such soil as could be loosened between stumps, curing hay on 
the natural meadows and building stone fences. He was to hew 
from selected oak trees frame timber for his buildings. When 
the time for raising the frame arrived, a neighborhood holiday 
was observed, with much cider drinking. 

So strongly mortised, braced, and pinned was the frame that 
it withstood the several gales, sometimes for years, before the 
last portion was enclosed. After one or two rooms were hurriedly 
and roughly made habitable, then more time and care were 
bestowed on the balance of the house. Perhaps some neighbor, 
skilled in house carpentry, worked all winter, paneled wain- 
scoting and "fire frame" in the best room. Over the front en- 
trance a Greek pediment supported by pilasters, or columns, was 

♦This chapter was written by the late John D. Estabrook, and was read by him before 
the Northborough Historical Society, November 14, 1907. It is a thoroughly exhaustive 
account of the subject treated, and this History would be incomplete without it. It is printed 
as Mr. Estabrook wrote it, save that his references to present-day ownership of various prop- 
erties have been brought up to date. These changes seemed necessary because much property 
has changed hands since this paper was written. The notes also were added by the author. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 157 

built. Seldom were the front entrance or best room opened 
except for weddings, funerals, and calls from the minister. The 
occasional son sent to college and fitted for the ministry or the 
practice of medicine, probably kept alive their classic touch at 
the front entrance. 

As in England, so here, the homestead descended to the eldest 
surviving son; and the average New England home came to 
represent generations of family toil. Everything was home- 
made. 

This region, comprising Westborough and Northborough was, 
according to tradition, first occupied by haymakers from the 
parent town of Marlborough. Temporary shelters were con- 
structed, and later, houses were built and farms were cleared. The 
farm then, was not only the home, but the center of all activities. 
Duties outside of farm work had to be sandwiched in between 
farm demands. Fpod and clothing were not sought at the store. 
The farm must supply fruit and vegetables, flour and meal, 
meat, clothing, many utensils, work animals, etc. The whole 
family worked. Occasionally there was help in the family, 
from the dressmaker and the itinerant shoemaker who made shoes 
for the family from bundles of leather from the attic. His 
work came to be locally known as "whipping the cat."* 

Aside from farming, activities were naturally connected 
with home existence and home building rather than with trade 
with other people. 

John Brigham, 1645-1728, was for this region, the pioneer 
explorer, surveyor, farmer, miller, doctor and speculator. Tradi- 
tion would place him here with his sawmill, his one-room log 
cabin, his wife, and his half a dozen children, before other settlers 
appeared. But county records free him from such indiscretion. 

He was a born explorer, not tied to money-making in any 
one spot; reporting to others successful enterprises rather than 
monopolizing them himself. 

In 1672 he was awarded a large tract of land north of what 
became, seventy-five years later, the Westborough North Precinct 
Meeting-house Knoll or Common. This grant to John Brigham 
was in part compensation — compensation for services of explora- 
tion and survey. In 1713 he sold to Simeon Hay ward the above 
grant and defined clearly its boundaries and area of two hundred 
and fifty acres. Soon after its purchase by Simeon Hayward, 
the farm buildings were just north of Meeting-house "pond 
hole," on the Eli Sanderson place, opposite the present hydrant 

♦Stephen Hunt, who died a few years ago at the age of ninety, frequently told the author 
that his father, Stephen Hunt, Sr., "whipped the cat" in Northborough and vicinity as recently 
as one hundred years ago. 



158 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

on Church Street. It is altogether probable that these buildings 
were built and occupied by John Brigham long before he sold 
to Simeon Hay ward. 

SAWMILLS AND CORN-MILLS 

In 1694 Samuel Brigham, who was a younger brother of John 
Brigham, and was a tanner in the eastern part of Marlborough, 
sold to Nathaniel Oke (Oaks) . . . "tract of land in town of 
Marlborough, being one-half part of the thirty acres the above 
said Samuel Brigham bought of town and is laid out now John 
Brigham's sawmill. . , ." 

In short, John Brigham built his pioneer sawmill on land of 
his younger brother, Samuel, and thereby acquired an undivided 
half interest in the property. Nathaniel Oaks acquired, by 
purchase from Samuel Brigham, ownership of the remaining 
undivided half of the pioneer sawmill. 

This pioneer sawmill was located on Howard Brook; and its 
thirty-acre tract formed a part of the eastern boundary of the 
above two hundred and fifty acre John Brigham grant, and the 
eastern boundary of Meeting-house Common. 

Nathaniel Oaks' dwelling was on the east bank of Howard 
Brook, just above the sawmill. Later, this house became the 
home of Rev. John Martyn, and after his death, the home of Rev. 
Peter Whitney. They were the first two ministers of the north 
precinct church, which later became the Northborough church. 

It is probable that the sawmill was built after John Brigham 
received, in 1672, his grant of land. Tradition says that the mill 
and nearby log-cabin were burned in 1707 when John Brigham's 
daughter, Mary (Brigham) Fay, escaped from, and John Brigham's 
granddaughter, Mary Goodenow, was slain by the Indians. 

In 1713 John Brigham sold his several holdings in this region 
and, having married a second wife, moved with his family (except 
two married daughters who remained here) to a less frontier 
region, nearer Boston. 

Hamlin Garland's tribute to the stricken mountaineer 
applies to John Brigham: 

"And when dies, as soon he must, 

A magic word goes with him to the grave, 
He was a pioneer. Above his dust 

Set these plain words: 'He was a brave. 
He faced the winter's wind unscared. 

He met stern nature, stark alone. 
Our velvet way his steel prepared. 
He died without a curse or moan.' " 




THE BRIGHAM MILL, SOON AFTER 1700 
The Original John Brigharn Mill was built about 1675 




NORTH BORtJLGH TUWX HALL 
Dedicated February 25, 1868 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 159 

Probably the next sawmill was built by George Oaks, a 
son of Nathaniel Oaks, and was located on the Assabet a half 
mile east of the pioneer mill. It was not far from the rear of 
the present residence of Walter M. Farwell (now Stephen W. 
Norcross's residence) on Hudson Street, and near the north 
corner of the Wesson (now Alfred Thomas) property, on Main 
Street. Some citizens of today remember signs of its old road 
approaches, and old dam. The mill had disappeared in 1793 
when Rev. Peter Whitney wrote his history of Worcester county. 

In the first half of that same century, William Holloway was 
the largest property owner in the north precinct, and had, on 
the upper waters of Cold Harbor Brook in the west part of the 
town both a corn-mill and a sawmill. Stephen Williams bought 
the property at the close of that century (1799) when Nathan 
Rice was serving there as miller. 

The location was east of Crawford Street, near where it is 
intersected by the cross road from the Wilcox stone cottage. 
It is claimed by Mr. John Johnson, that the old sawmill was in 
what is now the mill pond of the present lower shoddy mill, 
and the old corn- or grist-mill was just below, and in the rear of 
the present mill. 

Whitney's history of 1793 mentions these mills. 

On Bummet Brook, at the southwest corner of the town and 
between Tomlin Hill and Boston Hill, was the sawmill of Jothan 
Bartlett and his son Jonathan Bartlett, now the Lawrence place. 

Down stream a mile, and just below where Bummet Brook 
joins Hop Brook, was the combined saw- and grist-mill of Dr. 
Stephen Ball, Sr. George Clinton Davis (born 1813) was, 
when a small boy at the raising of the frame of this mill, and much 
to his chagrin was sent home when the frame was only half up. 
His father, Colonel Joe Davis, had learned of a pledge among the 
neighbors to drain Dr. Ball's keg of rum. Unfortunately for 
their purpose, Dr. Ball heard of the project and secretly secured 
another full keg of the same size, and turned the joke against 
the scheming neighbors. This mill was on the western boundary 
of the original Marlborough town grant of 1660. 

The Amory Barnard corn- and fiour-mill, in the northeast 
part of the town — now Chapinville — was built about a century 
ago. It received water from the Assabet through a very long 
head-race, and discharged through an equally long tail-race. 

Where School Street crosses the Assabet, south of Brigham 
Street and a mile south of Northborough village, was the saw- 
and corn-mill of James Wright, built before 1799. We have no 
particulars except that it was built subsequent to 1793 and 
had disappeared before 1830. 



160 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The 1808 diary of Stephen Williams says: "July 30, my new 
Tub Mill run for the first time, dam not finished." "November 
22, ground corn in my new mill for the first time. The grist-mill 
and sawmill cost $800." 

The "Tub Mill" got its name from its tub wheel, a crude 
wooden turbine, running in a tub-like case. It was located 
some rods up stream from the old Holloway mills and on the 
west side of Crawford Street. Later it was known as the Joseph 
Ball grist-mill, and more recently as the upper rubber shoddy 
mill. Joseph Ball added to it a sawmill. 

The sawmill mentioned above in the Stephen Williams' 
diary is supposed to be the mill bought in 1843 by Charles 
Johnson, father of John F. Johnson, located east of Crawford 
Street, near the site of the old Holloway grist-mill. Johnson 
rebuilt the dam in 1849, rebuilt the sawmill and added a shingle- 
mill, lath-mill and grist-mill. 

Then Joseph Ball added to his grist-mill a sawmill, thus 
making two complete sets of mills less than a quarter of a mile 
apart. 

Before Stephen Williams bought the property (1799) a reser- 
voir for the mills had been secured at the head waters of the 
stream in Boylston, by building a dam that formed Rocky Pond. 
We shall see later that Stephen Williams sold for the benefit of 
the cotton-mill a half interest in this reservoir. 

About sixty years ago, Lewis Fay had a steam sawmill on 
new Boylston Road (now Church Street) where it descends 
from the town level to the level of the meadows of Howard 
Brook. 

At Main Street and the Assabet is the grist-mill of today. 
It was built as a bone-mill and ground horn piths in the days 
when bones for the comb makers came from the local slaughter 
houses. 

Just outside the several town boundaries were other corn- 
mills and grist-mills. We cannot wonder that the forests 
vanished. 

WOOD-WORKING INDUSTRIES 

It was long after the active period for sawmills that wood- 
working industries were established here. In 1870 Sumner 
Small made wooden piano keys in the Gibson shop, just east of 
Cold Harbor Bridge, and continued the business fifteen years. 
H. G. Brook was in the same business, first on Main Street and 
later on Hudson Street. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 161 

The manufacture of bedroom furniture was started, but not 
long continued, by Thornton & Smith, on Hudson Street. 

Gill Valentine made baby carriages from about 1836 till 
1844 on the south side of Main Street, east of the Assabet. 

METAL WORKING 

In 1768, Samuel Wood, 2nd, whose mills were located at the 
northeast corner of the crossing of Main Street and the Assabet, 
sold to Henry Gassett, blacksmith, for three pounds lawful money, 
forty-six rods of land at the southwest corner of said crossing, 
together with four to six rods of land adjoining on the east side 
of the Assabet, with right to build a dam. Four years later, the 
above was sold by Gassett to Jonathan and Ephraim Cobb, 
ironmongers of Northborough, with building and privileges, for 
the sum of five hundred Spanish milled dollars. Four years after- 
wards, in 1786, Jonathan Cobb sold his undivided half of the 
property for seventy-five pounds to James Godfred, blacksmith. 
This included "two Coal housing," blacksmith shop, and forge, 
or iron works, also bellows, anvil, hearth-plates and every other 
utensil belonging to the same. 

Whitney's history of 1793 says: "On this lot are works for the 
manufacture of Iron from bog ore found in the vicinity, and 
many tons of Iron have been made." 

From the above it appears that Jonathan and Ephraim Cobb 
built the iron works between 1782 and 1787, and they probably 
made the many tons of iron mentioned. 

Dr. Stephen Ball, Sr., bought the property in 1791, and near 
its western boundary established works for extracting potash 
from wood ashes. The manufacture of iron ceased, but the 
building with its trip-hammer remained a long time, so that 
some of our citizens remember it. 

The abandoned limekiln on the Marshall Maynard farm where 
a limestone outcrop appears, may have been built when lime- 
stone was in demand as a flux for the bog-iron ore. 

Another sale of land was made by the same Samuel Wood, 
2nd. This was in 1800, to Seth Grout of Maine, "Nailer," 
twenty-five to thirty rods of land on the north side of Main 
Street, east of the Assabet. 

At that time all nails were forged from the rod by hand. 
Seth Grout's dwelling was the present house of James Wood, 
opposite the foot of Summer Street. East of his dwelling was a 
storehouse or shop, now standing at South and Summer Streets, 
as the dwelling of Harry F. Carbrey. Seth Grout added more 
land to his nailing works and built a carding factory. In 1812 



162 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

he sold for $2500 to Pierpont and Dexter Brigham of Westborough 
"a house in the town of Northborough in which are a Carding 
Factory and NaiHng Works with all the apparatus and imple- 
ments together with seventy rods of land." 

Three years later, in 1815, William Beeton, blacksmith of 
Westborough, bought the shop and its original twenty-five or 
thirty rods of land for $3700.* 

Eighty years ago, Jacob Pierce manufactured scythes, hoes 
and other tools at his small trip-hammer shop at the confluence 
of Howard Brook and Cold Harbor Brook, the site of the present 
Toad Mill. The shop burned in 1828. Then he built a shop 
without a trip-hammer, located on the north side of Whitney 
Street, east of Howard Brook, where he continued a less extensive 
business. 

The Samuel Wood, 2nd, before referred to, died in 1818, and 
bequeathed his mills to his nephew, Samuel Seaver. In 1823 
Samuel Seaver sold for $2000 to Thomas W. Lyon of Lancaster, 
the old "Clothier's Shop" fronting south on Main Street east 
of the Assabet, together with three acres of land and the old 
fulling mill near the north end of the lot, reserving to Samuel 
Fisher certain blacksmith and cabinet-making shop-rights. 
Tradition says the original fulling mill that was built in 1751, 
had been partially rebuilt when it was sold by Seaver in 1823. 
It has recently been moved and is now in use as a dwelling. 

At first, the Lyon industry was repairing looms; then building 
looms and mill machinery. Thomas W. Lyon was a machinist; 
Moses Merriam was a blacksmith with a gift in the direction of 
clock repairing and delicate machinery; Samuel Fisher was a 
cabinet-maker and wheelwright; Samuel Sawyer was a wheel- 
wright and general wood -worker; Luther Hawes was a house 
carpenter. Together, these men were able to repair or to 
build almost any machine. 

In 1837 Thomas W. Lyon sold the property to Captain 
Cyrus Gale, who, the same year sold to Samuel Fisher. 

In 1871 Sumner Packard, of Grafton, engaged in the manu- 
facture of shoemakers' tools in a shop on Hudson street, but did 
not long continue the business. 

From about 1840 to 1847 Edwin Wesson manufactured 
rifles in what had been the Seth Grout mailing and carding 
factory, on Main Street, east of the Assabet. Outgrowing his 
accommodations there, he moved to Hartford, Connecticut and 
took from town several families of his workmen. 

*At that time Main Street doubled south from in front of the Seth Grout house nearly 
to the present Baptist parsonage and crossed the Assabet at the level of the basement of the 
Lyon's shop. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 163 

During the past few years both the Lyon shop and the 
Grout shop have been occupied by Thomas H. Blair, in the 
manufacture of lamps and cash registers. 

WOOLEN-MILLS AND COTTON-MILLS 

It is but little more than a century ago when both spinning 
and weaving were done by hand, and mostly in the homes of 
the operatives. Wool and linen were the two fibres in common 
use. Here, farms produced wool and flax, and the household 
converted them into cloth. Cotton came to the front when, in 
1794, Eli Whitney invented the cotton-gin and made it possible 
for a thousand pounds of cotton fibre to be cleaned in the time 
before required for one pound. 

The cotton plant had been brought to America as early as 
1536, but the difficulty of removing the seed and cleaning the 
fibre prevented its extensive culture till the introduction of the 
cotton-gin, a little more than a century ago. Until that time 
flax had been cultivated and prepared on the farm for home spin- 
ning and home weaving. Then suddenly, American cotton 
exports jumped from two hundred tons to forty-five thousand 
tons. 

Machine spinning and machine weaving were yet classed 
among newer accomplishments, not yet practical in the States, 
when Congress imposed heavy import duties on cotton fabrics. 
Again, war with England made cotton manufacturing here, 
desirable. 

In 1814 was organized the Northborough Manufacturing Com- 
pany for manufacturing cotton and woolen cloth and yarn by 
the use of machinery. 

Samuel Wood's fulling mill had then been in successful 
operation sixty-three years, dressing homespun cloth brought in 
by the farmers' wives. In 1751 Samuel Wood, Sr., bought of 
George Oaks three-fourths of an acre of land on the east bank of 
the Assabet, and fronting south on Main Street. At the rear 
of this lot he at once erected and put into active service, his 
fulling mill. In 1760 Samuel Wood, Sr., died, and left his 
homestead and fulling mill to his eldest son, Samuel Wood, 2nd 
who was then seventeen years of age. The son continued the 
business in the fulling mill, and before the Revolutionary War, 
built near the Main Street end of the same lot a large, one-story 
frame building with basement and ell, called his "Clothier's 
Mill Shop." In 1774 he deeded for £60 lawful money "a half 
of his clothing mill shop, tools, privileges and clothing business 
in general" to his younger brother, Abraham Wood, who had 
then just reached his majority. 



164 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

One of the industries mentioned in Whitney's history of 1793 
is "the Fulling Mill and clothiers' business in all its branches 
where seven thousand yards of cloth are dressed annually by 
Samuel and Abraham Wood, but for the present, by the latter 
only." 

Samuel Wood, 2nd, died without children, in 1818, and be- 
queathed his estate to his nephew, Samuel Seaver. Abraham 
Wood had died in 1804, and his half of the clothing mill shop, 
tools and privileges of the clothing business was then appraised 
at $450. He had not acquired any ownership in the fulling mill. 

Most of the industries thus far enumerated were small and 
supplemental to farming; that is, the mill was run during hours 
of sufficient water supply. Generally the miller had to depend 
for help on his own household, his half dozen sons. No large 
mill dams were built. Any progress toward that end, uncom- 
pleted and with insufficient help, might be wiped out any day 
by a freshet. Almost any farmer could, however, at his leisure, 
excavate a level ditch, or head-race, from some high point in a 
neighboring stream to a mill site sheltered from the course of 
high water; and from the mill site dig another ditch, or tail- 
race, to the same stream at a point where it had reached a lower 
level. Then with an inexpensive dam and head-gate he secured 
control of the water power. 

The Northborough Manufacturing Company, before men- 
tioned, was organized in 1814, by George Sloane, Deacon Isaac 
Davis, Silas Gates, Phineas Davis, Asaph Rice, Benjamin Rice, 
Caleb Weatherbee, Joseph Davis, and Joseph Howe. 

On March 17, 1814, they bought of Samuel Allen, 2nd, for 
$3000 the corn-mill before m.entioned, at Woodside, six acres 
of land on both sides of the Assabet, with mill and privileges, 
etc., and right to raise the dam one foot, for the purpose of 
manufacturing cotton and woolen cloth and yarn. 

On the west side of the Assabet, near where the W^oodside 
Woolen Mill now stands (now the Taylor Manufacturing Com- 
pany), they erected a cotton-mill, "Weaving Shop," etc. The 
cost of the same, fully equipped with machinery, was $30,000. 

March 31, 1814 (two weeks after the purchase of the above 
mill privilege), they bought from one of their own members, 
Caleb Weatherbee of Marlborough, for $1700, another piece of 
land, two acres, fronting one hundred and seventy-three feet on the 
north side of Main Street in the village of Northborough, and 
extending north toward Cold Harbor Brook about five hundred 
feet. Possibly, it may have been designed to supply to this last 
purchase, water power from Cold Harbor Brook near the glazier 




CALEB T. CHAPIN 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 165 

mill, by means of a long canal or head-race. Signs of such a 
canal still exist in the Monroe pasture. But the two-acre pur- 
chase in the village of Northborough was sold at an advanced 
price, within one year. Captain Cyrus Gale served as agent for 
the manufacturing company. 

Till about this date, American experience in cloth making 
was restricted to hand spinning and hand weaving. It is doubt- 
ful if any of the manufacturing companies had previous experi- 
ence with mill machinery. 

For a dozen years the new cotton factory operated with 
varying success, till, in 1826, it was sold at auction to Isaac 
Davis, 2nd, Asaph Rice, Robert Rogenson, and Oliver Eldridge, 
who, that same year, bought of Lewis Allen, additional land near 
the mill, and in 1831 bought of Stephen Williams, a half interest 
in the Rocky Pond Reservoir. 

Then, March 4, 1831, was organized the Northborough Cotton 
Manufacturing Company, which took, at a valuation of $15,000, 
all the land and mill property that had, for five years been in the 
name of Isaac Davis, 2nd, Asaph Rice, and Oliver Eldridge; and 
for a dozen years before that time had been in the name of the 
Northborough Manufacturing Company. 

The Northborough Cotton Manufacturing Company operated 
for twenty years, and in 1851 sold to Alonzo B. Howe who had 
then recently returned from California. 

Of this mill, Allen's History of Northborough (1826) says: 
"The mill contains 700 spindles for cotton, 100 for woolen, 10 
looms, a fulling mill, carding machine, &c., and manufactures 
80,000 yards of cloth annually." 

From 1851 to 1866 there were repeated changes in ownership 
of this mill property and in the nature of the mill product. 
The cotton mill was burned in 1860. The corn mill on the east 
side of the Assabet was burned in 1866. This left no mill building 
standing at Woodside. 

In 1832, soon after the organization of the Northborough Cot- 
ton Manufacturing Company, Isaac Davis, 2nd, bought of Paul 
Newton for $1750, twenty-two and one-half acres of land and the 
old Amory Barnard grist-mill, before mentioned, together with 
right of flowage, right to enlarge the canal, etc. 

Phineas Davis, Joseph Davis, and Isaac Davis, 2nd, three 
brothers, joined in supplying $30,300 for the erection and equip- 
ment of a brick cotton factory on the site of the present Chapin 
Mill, and three brick dwellings. Samuel Wood, 3rd, was the 
builder, and for a time he lived in one of the brick houses, where 
one son, the present Dr. Albert Wood, of Worcester, was born 



166 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

(Dr. Wood has since died). For this mill, one year's supply of 
cotton was bought at six cents per pound in Boston, on one 
year's credit without interest, and was hauled to the mill by ox 
teams. 

Isaac Davis, 2nd, operated this mill about twenty-six years, 
till his decease in 1859, when the mill was sold for $14,800 to 
L. S. Pratt, of Grafton. In 1864 the mill was sold by Pratt to 
Caleb T. Chapin, the father of the present occupant. The price 
then paid for the Davis Cotton Factory, five dwellings and seven 
acres of land was $6000. For five years it was operated as a 
cotton-mill by C. T. Chapin, and then in 1869, it burned down. 
Mr. Chapin was insured for $20,000; and he at once built, on the 
same site, the present, much larger, brick woolen factory and 
engaged in the manufacture of cloth from wool, shoddy, and 
cotton. At first it was equipped as a "two set" woolen-mill, 
but has since had much more machinery added. Now, for 
certain kinds of cloth it is claimed to have capacity for twenty- 
five thousand yards per week. Today it is the only cloth-making 
mill in operation in Northborough.* 

THE DAVID F. WOOD MILL 

In 1866, David F. Wood bought the Woodside mill property, 
which then consisted of some dwellings leased to C. F. Chapin, 
the foundations of the first cotton-mill left from the fire of 1860, 
and the old Eleazer Howe corn-mill of 1725. This old corn- 
mill was at once equipped with one full set of wool and shoddy 
machinery and put into operation, but burned before the close 
of 1866. Fire hazard from rag pickers is very great. 

Left with no mill building, David F. Wood immediately 
built a much larger frame woolen-factory on the site of the 
original cotton-factory. This new woolen-factory was operated 
twenty years, till it was burned in 1887. Then Mr. Wood 
promptly built the present woolen-mill, and continued to operate 
it from 1888 till his death in 1900. Legal complications the 
past six or eight years have kept this mill idle.f 

In textile goods, the only other Northborough industry was the 
manufacture of corsets by Fay & Reynolds, followed by Water- 
man & Meyer. This was in the "Old Barn Shop," just north 
of the town hall, and the industry was short-lived. 

*Ezra Chapin, "the present occupant" referred to above, has since died. After his 
death the mill was closed for some time. It was then bought and operated by Whittaker & 
Bacon, of Boston. The larger portion of it burned down January 28, 1918. 

tit was afterward reopened and operated for a time by a company of Northborough men. 
Later, it came into the possession of The Taylor Manufacturing Company who has operated 
it successfully for several years. This company has made extensive enlargements of the 
property, making it a more valuable plant than it ever was before. 




DAVID F. WOOD 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 167 



COMB MAKING 



Pioneer comb making in Northborough was near the site of 
John Brigham's pioneer sawmill. 

In 1839, Bush & Haynes, comb makers of Feltonville (now 
Hudson) bought of Lowell Holbrook twenty-five acres of land 
on both sides of Whitney Street, east of Meeting-house Common. 
They built their comb manufacturing shop on Howard Brook, 
just above the site of the pioneer saw-mill, and built storehouses 
at other points on the land purchased. Toad Mill was occupied 
for one branch of their comb making. Dressing combs, for which 
there was at all times a market demand, were their chief product. 
Dealing in horns was also an active branch of their business. 

Very soon, numerous other parties commenced the manu- 
facture of combs, chiefly fancy combs, buying raw material 
from Bush and Haynes. Warren T. Bush had a comb shop on 
Hudson Street, the site of the present Whittaker & Bacon mill. 
He was a brother of Wilder Bush. A brother of Mrs. Wilder 
Bush, Samuel Gibson, established a comb shop just below Cold 
Harbor Bridge. 

Fancy combs paid large profits so long as the fashion lasted, 
but were liable to become dead property almost any day when a 
more attractive design appeared. Consequently, small or family 
comb shops came into operation wherever suitable shops and 
dwellings could be found. The Woodside Cotton Mill, that was 
bought by Alonzo B. Howe in 1851, was sold in 1853 to Nathaniel 
Fisher and occupied for comb making. Again, in 1859, it was 
sold to Milo Hildreth who, with two brothers, engaged in comb 
making there till the mill burned in 1860. 

The weaving shop adjoining the Woodside Cotton Mill was 
also occupied by another party for comb making. After being 
burned out at Woodside, Milo Hildreth engaged in comb- 
making at Main Street and the Assabet, in what originally was 
the ' 'Clothier's Mill Shop" of Samuel and Abraham Wood. Asso- 
ciated with him at various times were Lovejoy and Yates. 
Hildreth died in 1893. 

For a time combs were made on the south side of Main 
Street, east of the Assabet, in the Wesson Rifle Factory. Also in 
the glazier mill of Cold Harbor Brook. Again in the old barn 
shop north of the town hall. In the latter shop horn buttons 
were made by Josiah Proctor. Of those interested in comb 
making we may see the names of Woodward, Woodbury, Gallup, 
Lock, etc. 

Today, the only comb making here is that of Walter M. Far- 
well who gives employment to as many persons as were ever 



168 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

employed at any one time in all the Northborough comb 
shops.* 

Raw material for comb making in early days came from 
slaughter houses and tan-yards in the immediate vicinity. Now, 
South American horns are imported. 

Shell was at one time used extensively; but cheap, fancy 
combs today are mostly made of celluloid. 

LEATHER AND SHOES 

As before stated, Samuel Brigham was the pioneer tanner 
east of the village of Marlborough at the time of John Brigham's 
pioneer sawmill. Other tan-yards appeared later in different 
sections of Marlborough and in its Westborough and North- 
borough offshoots. 

The vSamuel Baker tan -yard in Westborough, before North- 
borough became known, occupied one-eighth part of an acre of land 
on the west side of the road leading to the south Meeting-house, 
and on the south side of a brook flowing east. This was in 1748, 
two years after the building of the north precinct Meeting-house, 
and iwo years before the south precinct Meeting-house was 
transferred from Wesson ville to Westborough. In 1756, this tan- 
yard had passed to William HoUoway and his brother-in-law, 
Cornet Simeon Hay ward, who sold to Joseph Baker, a minor. 
Twenty-five years later the name Joseph Baker appears as 
witness on the papers conveying land for the Isaac Davis tan- 
yard. We have not been able to identify the site of the Samuel 
Baker tanyard. 

About 1770, when Isaac Davis was twenty-one years of age, 
Captain Stephen Maynard engaged him to build and operate a 
tan-yard on the Maynard farm in Westborough, opposite the 
Lyman School, and to teach Antipas Maynard, the son, the tan- 
ner's trade. In addition to carrying out his part of the contract, 
Isaac Davis, in 1772, married Anna Brigham, the step-daughter 
of Stephen Maynard, and a direct descendant from the pioneer 
tanner, Samuel Brigham. Soon came the American Revolu- 
tion. Antipas Maynard disappeared. Stephen Maynard be- 
came financially involved and in 1781 Isaac Davis bought of 
Elizabeth Gray the farm at the east end of Mills Porridge Plain 
in Northborough. 

Here he built the Davis tan-yard that remained in the Davis 
family through three generations, and was operated by them 

*Mr. Farwell died several years ago and his factory is now owned by the Whittaker and 
Bacon Company, who used it as an addition to their Chapin Mill. Since the destruction of 
the Chapin mill they moved their entire business here, having enlarged it very extensively. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 169 

about ninety years, till hides to be tanned were Imported, and 
bark for tanning was brought by rail from distant states; then 
tanning in Northborough ceased. Rev. Joseph Allen's History 
of Northborough (1826) says: "The annual sales of leather by 
the Davises amount to $20,000." 

Besides tanning hides, the business included dressing or 
currying leather; and for a time the manufacture of shoes — that 
is, a part of the leather product was cut into shoes that were sent 
to neighboring farm shoe shops to be pegged and finished. 

Two Hunt brothers, Jeremiah and Stephen, nearly a century 
ago, were perhaps the earliest shoe manufacturers to employ 
in Northborough, a force of apprentices and journeymen. Their 
shop was on the south side of east Main Street, opposite the 
Alfred Thomas estate. They owned a license to manufacture 
in Worcester County under a patent for fastening bottoms to 
shoes with nails or pegs instead of sewing. It is now difficult 
to learn definitely about early patents, as Washington records 
were burned in 1836, and this industry dates probably earlier 
than 1820. 

After operating for some years as partners they dissolved, 
and each brother continued the business independently, Stephen 
at the old site, and Jeremiah in the ell of a new house he built at 
the road intersection further east (Maple and Brigham Streets). 

A little later, but contemporaneous with the Hunt Brothers, 
was Marvin Chapin, who built the house occupied so long by 
Charles A. Rice, and later by his son, Henry Rice (the brick 
house on Main Street, adjoining the railroad track). Mr. 
Chapin manufactured shoes in the ell of that house from about 
1829 to 1839. 

About 1830 Isaac Crosby built a brick shoe shop on South 
Street, a quarter of a mile north of the Davis tan-yard and 
manufactured shoes there for a short time. The shop, since 
considerably enlarged, is now the Longley dwelling. 

Half a century ago. Dr. Henry Barnes, Sr., manufactured 
shoes on the second fioor of a frame building (since burned) then 
known as the Anson Rice store, on the site of the present Noah 
Wadsworth store at the corner of Main and South Streets. 
The industry there was not continued long. 

Before 1860, John H. Mclntire manufactured shoes in the 
old Gale store on Main Street (now the dwelling house of Fritz 
Fredericks), and in 1867 was manufacturing in the old barn 
shop, north of the town hall. 

Conlin and Garrity were manufacturing shoes in the old 
Gale store in 1866. 



170 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

C. M. Howe succeeded Mclntire in the barn shop. 

Poland, Kinney & Maynard succeeded Howe in the barn 
shop. 

Shoe manufacturing in Northborough ceased about 1873. 

Continuously for about forty years, Charles E. Johnson has 
conducted the business of converting leather shavings into shoe 
counters and leather board, first on Hudson Street, then in the 
Wesson shop, then in the Gibson shop, then in the glazier mill, 
and for the past quarter century in the upper floors of- the barn 
shop. (Mr. Johnson died February 27, 1920, aged eighty-seven 
years.) 

BRICK MAKING 

The brick industry has been carried on chiefly in the east 
part of the town. 

Unmistakable signs of an early brickyard long existed on the 
shores of Solomon Pond. 

Tradition says that long ago signs of an early brickyard were 
to be seen on the Brigham farm, on Brigham Street. 

West of Stirrup Brook, and south of the present Marlborough 
road, bricks were made by Stephen Howe and his son, Alonzo 
B. Howe, till about forty years ago. Farming, with intermittent 
brick making as the market demanded, appears to have been the 
rule there. (This brickyard was on the property now owned by 
Mr. Auguste Shutte.) 

The Goodrich brickyard started on Hudson Street, west of 
Walter M. Farwell's residence. Later it was transferred to the 
low land between Woodside and Chapinville. To advertise the 
product, a house of selected brick was built there. Quantities 
of brick were demanded at Framingham for the Cochituate 
Water Works, and Goodrich secured a contract for one million 
bricks which served to keep that yard busy, giving employment 
to many teams hauling to Framingham. 

Bricks for houses in the south part of Northborough are 
said to have been made on the Rice Farm in Westborough, just 
across the Assabet which there forms the town boundary (now 
part of the Lyman School property). 

BOOK BINDING AND NEWSPAPERS 

Dr. Allen's History (1826) mentions bookbinding by William 
Morse as then active. The industry was located apart from, 
but near the Berlin boundary. Orders for binding books 'were 
secured from the Salisburies, of Worcester, from Isaiah Thomas, 
of Farmer's Almanac fame, and from customers as far distant 




SAMUEL WOOD 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 171 

as Hubbardston. Morse's account book indicated that he also 
acted as agent for the purchase of goods of different kinds in 
Boston from customers widely scattered. Tradition says that 
Morse was an irascible character, unable to agree with relatives 
or neighbors, but dealt amicably with distant customers. 
Crossed, by the Berlin family of his wife, report says their front 
door was shattered by a boulder rolled down the opposite hill, 
and that Morse avoided door and window openings in his own 
house looking toward Berlin. 

In 1836, when Rev. Joseph Allen had been twenty years a 
resident of Northborough, he published The Meteor, a weekly 
newspaper, written and printed at the parsonage. One son, 
Prentice Allen, and some of the parsonage students assisted. 

A few generations ago each small water power attracted some 
industry and soon became, with its five to fifty dwellings, a 
separate industrial center, competing for importance with the 
old town center. 

Of late, steam power has come into general use by reason of 
more extensive mining of coal. Today, many water powers are 
idle. Wind power and water power have been used and will be 
used again. We need only a successful accumulation or storage 
device to ensure the harnessing of the winds of heaven. 

The man full of ideas, with ability to fashion something the 
world needs, and then to set others to making it, sooner or later 
appears. 

Again, the man born to accumulate, "to make money," is 
of a different type. Fortunate is the town that succeeds in 
making these two types — "the man who makes money," and 
"the man who makes things," mutually helpful within its bounds. 

It was the late George Williams, of Northborough, who 
pithily expressed his opinion of neighboring towns as follows: 
"Northborough proud: Westborough pious: Shrewsbury wicked: 
Boylston fool: Berlin poor: Marlborough hog. 

"In the strife for worldly success pride stood aloof while hog 
won the race." 



CHAPTER XVI 

HOW NORTHBOROUGH HANDLED THE TEMPERANCE 
QUESTION ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO 

The eighteenth amendment to the Constitution of the 
United States, prohibiting the manufacture and sale of in- 
toxicating liquors, was ratified by the State of Nebraska, January 
16, 1919; and as Nebraska was the thirty-sixth state to adopt it 
(the Constitution requires two-thirds of the states to ratify a 
proposed amendment), national prohibition became an assured 
fact. The amendment went into effect one year from its adop- 
tion by the thirty-sixth state, on January 16, 1920. 

The proposed amendment was passed by the United States 
Senate, August 1, 1917, by a vote of sixty-five to twenty. It 
was passed by the House of Representatives, December 17, 1917, 
by a vote of two hundred and eighty-two to one hundred and 
twenty-eight. It was then referred to the several states for action 
thereon. Mississippi ratified it January 8, 1918, and to that 
state belongs the honor of being the first state to ratify it. Our 
own state of Massachusetts ratified it April 2, 1918, being the 
eleventh state to accept it. 

In view of this important measure, which is destined to bring 
about a revolution in the social and economic condition of our 
country, the author deems it of interest to record the part 
that Northborough played in the matter. The eighteenth 
amendment was the result of one hundred years of agitation. 
It will be the aim of this chapter to show that Northborough 
was a pioneer in that agitation, a leader and not a follower. 

One hundred years ago, intemperance had become not only 
an evil but a positive scandal. Everybody drank. Even 
Christian ministers were not immune from that social evil. A 
custom of the time almost compelled them to drink. When the 
minister called on his people they were expected to offer him a 
glass of "toddy." And if he made more than one call in an 
afternoon and drank his "toddy" at every home, it was not 
infrequently the case that he needed assistance in finding his 
way home. 

Our late senator, George F. Hoar, used to say that in the 
early years of the nineteenth century "the United States was a 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 173 

nation of drunkards." And Senator Hoar was not far wrong. 
The history of any one of our New England towns will corrobo- 
rate his judgment. Our own town of Northborough certainly 
supports his contention. The temperance question was then, as 
it is now, a moral question. And the town of Northborough 
grappled with that question as it did with other moral questions, 
fearlessly, and with vigor. 

A temperance reform began to sweep over the country be- 
tween 1820 and 1830; and the movement for national prohibition 
which has resulted in the adoption of the eighteenth amendment 
to the United States Constitution might be said to have had its 
beginning at that time. Northborough was a pioneer in that 
movement. Several years before that nation-wide agitation 
began, Northborough was dealing with the question in her own 
way; and with what success will presently appear. 

The use of liquor was common on all public occasions. If a 
Meeting-house were to be raised the free use of liquor was a 
very essential part of the exercises. If a public "vendue" (auc- 
tion) were held, the knowledge that there would be plenty of 
liquid refreshment helped to draw a crowd. If a funeral were 
held the men of a community thought they could best show 
respect to their departed friend and neighbor by drinking around 
the corpse. In fact, liquor drinking was a social custom which 
was indulged in by all classes of people on all occasions which drew 
the people together. 

Naturally, the custom soon came to be an evil. Strange as 
it may seem to us, that evil, so far as Northborough was concerned, 
first manifested itself at funerals. Men disgraced themselves 
by turning the house of mourning into a house of conviviality. 
And it is largely to that fact that we owe the present fact of 
national prohibition. So common had this custom become in 
Northborough that the leading men of the town became ashamed 
of it, and consequently took measures to lessen the evil. They 
drew up the following paper, and signed their names to it: 

"Northborough, 1817. 

"Impressed with the belief that the practice of using wine, 
or ardent spirits, on funeral occasions, is attended with needless 
expense, which to the poorer class is no inconsiderable burden 
— and moreover, that it has a tendency to interrupt those devout 
feelings and pious meditations which such occasions ought to 
call forth, 

"We, the undersigned, are willing to use our influence to 
discountenance such practice; and we engage for the future. 



174 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

to allow of no wine or spirituous liquors to be carried to the 
mourners at our own houses: but, if any of the mourners, or 
others, think it necessary or expedient to use it, to cause it to 
be placed in a separate apartment for the use of such person: 

"Samuel Seaver "Hoi ton Maynard 

William Eager William Whitney 

Oliver Eager John Crawford 

Samuel Wood Benj. 

Abraham Wyman Jonas Ball 

Moses Norcross Cyrus Gale 

Silas Bailey Holton Maynard, Jr. 

Windsor Stratton Taylor Maynard 

Josiah Brigham James Maynard 

Gill Bartlett William Valentine 

Stephen Ball Phineas Davis 

Naham Fay Winslow Brigham 

James Keyes Stephen Williams 

Jonas Bartlett Isaac Davis 

Caleb Harrington Henry Hastings" 

We regard this as a very important document. To be sure, 
it leaves a loophole big enough for all the signers to crawl out 
of; but notwithstanding, it shows the recognition of a serious 
evil which they were desirous of correcting; and it proved 
to be the inital step in a temperance reform which, within a few 
years, spread all over the country. 

From this time on, the question was more or less discussed, 
and in 1821 an attempt was made to prohibit retailers from 
mixing liquors in their stores to be drunk on the premises. But 
nothing came of it. In the meantime, intemperance was growing 
at an alarming rate and the best citizens of the town were 
beginning to feel disgraced over the situation. And on May 3, 
1824, they caused to be put into the warrant for town meeting 
an article "to see if the town will adopt any measures for the 
suppression of the great and growing evil of intemperance, or 
act any way on the subject which they may deem proper." 
The action taken under this article was the appointment of a 
committee of thirteen, consisting of the selectmen. Deacon 
Isaac Davis, Isaac Davis, Jr., Esq., Mr. Samuel Seaver, Colonel 
William Eager, Mr. Asaph Rice, Colonel John Crawford, John 
F. Fay, and Mr. Silas Bailey. 

On May 24, this committee made the following interesting 
report : 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 175 

"7"o the inhabitants of the town of Northborough in town meet- 
ing assembled on adjournment the 24th day of May, A.D. 1824. 

"Your committee chosen to investigate the subject of the 
great and growing evil of intemperance have taken the matter 
into their most serious consideration, and are of opinion, that 
the excessive use of ardent spirits in this town, as well as in 
many other places, has become seriously alarming, and forebodes 
great and ruinous evils, no observing and considerate person 
will presume to deny; — and that something ought to be done to 
check the progress of this growing vice is equally evident; for 
this lamentable fact is visibly depicted on the countenances of 
many individuals, some of whom are engaged in this ruinous 
practice, while others stand anxiously waiting to see some method 
adopted whereby the evil may be repelled. 

"Therefore, your committee beg leave to recommend the 
following measures to be pursued: 

"That the inhabitants of the town of Northborough endeavor 
to lessen the use of ardent spirits in their families. 

"That the military officers use their exertions to prevent 
persons from intoxication on training and muster days. 

"That the inhabitants use their best endeavors by their 
example, advice and entreaties to persuade the intemperate to 
become temperate: 

"That a committee of six be chosen to assist the Selectmen in 
selecting intemperate persons and others to be posted up till next 
September, hoping that the idle will become industrious, that 
the intemperate will become temperate, and those who spend 
their earnings for ardent spirits, will spend part of them for the 
comfort of themselves and families, and lay up a part of their 
earnings to support themselves and families in sickness and old 
age, that they may not be burdensome to their friends nor the 
town; and that all persons will become valuable and useful 
members of society : 

"And that this town meeting be adjourned to the first Monday 
in September next at one o'clock in the afternoon at this place 
for further consideration on the subject. 

"All which is humbly submitted to the consideration of the 
inhabitants of the town of Northborough by their committee. 

"Isaac Davis, Chairman." 

The town accepted this report and "chose a committee of six 
to assist the Selectmen in selecting intemperate persons and 
others to be posted up according to law, and chose Stephen 



176 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Williams Esq., Colonel Joseph Davis, Samuel Seaver, Colonel 
William Eager, Mr. Winslow Brigham and Mr. Jonas Bartlett." 

To "post" the names of intemperate persons in public places 
was indeed a drastic measure, for the "intemperate persons" 
were not foreigners (there were no foreigners in Northborough 
at that time), but men of old New England stock. The threat 
probably had its desired effect, for at the adjourned meeting in 
September no mention is made of any names having been 
"posted." 

The measure did not do away with intemperance entirely, 
however, for the town on several occasions during the years 
immediately succeeding, felt called upon to appoint committees 
to investigate the condition of morals, with special reference to 
intemperance. Thus on March 1, 1830, it was "Voted to recom- 
mend to farmers not to use spirituous liquors by giving it to 
their hired men." Also, "Mechanics are requested to abstain 
from using ardent spirits." 

An interesting fact in this connection, not generally known, 
connects the "Worcester County Institution for Savings" of 
Worcester, with Northborough. 

The Worcester Association (an association of ministers which 
is still in existence, and of which the writer has been a member 
for twenty-five years) held a meeting in Northborough in the 
fall of 1826, at the home of Rev. Joseph Allen. The topic for 
discussion at that meeting was "The Growing Evil of Intemper- 
ance," a topic that was beginning to engross the minds of 
thoughtful people throughout the county. The discussion was 
followed by the appointment of a committee consisting of Dr. 
Allen of Northborough and Dr. Thayer of Lancaster, which 
should consider the matter and report at a future meeting 
such measures as in their judgment the members of the Associa- 
tion should adopt "for the prevention and suppression of intem- 
perance." The committee made its report in the form of a 
resolution, which bound the members of the Association "as 
individuals, to be examples of uniform sobriety in the use of 
ardent spirits; that in our Association they shall not form a 
part of the usual entertainment; that we will not in our families 
ofifer or receive them as an expression of hospitality." 

The report further recommended that a committee be ap- 
pointed to consider the subject of the report and prepare such 
facts concerning the matter as the members of the Association 
might report to their congregations. 

This report was accepted. But the report of the subsequent 
committee "led only to an interesting discussion, but to no 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 177 

definite action ; and further consideration of the subject was indefi- 
nitely postponed." 

Thus the ministers of the Worcester Association put them- 
selves on record as being unwilling to help along a temperance 
reform. But the sequel is interesting. While the ministers 
were discussing the subject and wondering what they could 
do to curb the growing habit of intemperance, Mrs. Allen, wife 
of Rev. Dr. Joseph Allen, suggested that it might be feasible 
to establish a bank, or some other kind of savings institution, 
whereby men, and especially working men, could save part of 
their hard earned wages. Dr. Aaron Bancroft of Worcester — 
minister of the Court Hill Church was quick to recognize the 
wisdom of Mrs. Allen's suggestion and said, "That's a good idea, 
Mrs. Allen; and when I go home I will put it before the leading 
men of Worcester and see how it strikes them." He did so; 
and it struck the leading men of Worcester favorably, and the 
result was the organization of the "Worcester County Institu- 
tion for Savings," the oldest savings bank in the county and one 
of the oldest in the country. It was incorporated in 1828, and 
from that day to this has been one of the strong financial insti- 
tutions in the country. 

It should always be a source of pride that this strong savings 
institution had its origin in Northborough. 

Another interesting sidelight on Northborough's earnest- 
ness in dealing with the evil of intemperance is found in the 
Town Records under date of May 5, 1828. In town meeting 
on that day it was "Voted that the person who shall be chosen 
Representative is required not to treat the inhabitants of the 
town." Jonas Bartlett was then chosen representative. The 
record goes on to say "and as he was requested not to treat the 
inhabitants of the town, he paid the Rev. Joseph Allen $5.50 to be 
appropriated for the benefit of the Juvenile Library." 

Reading between the lines we learn that it cost something to 
be elected to political ofiice in those days, as it does in our day. 

Drinking at weddings was as common as it was at funerals ; 
and it is a well-known fact that after the wedding festivities 
were over many guests had difficulty in reaching their homes 
without assistance. It is not on record that any concerted 
movement was made to stop that practice, but individual 
brides and grooms occasionally discountenanced it. Abraham 
W. Seaver and Maria Mandell v/ere married in 1833, and no 
liquor was dispensed on the happy occasion. Mr. Seaver used 
to say in later years that his was the first wedding in North- 
borough at which liquor was not used. 



178 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

One of the "general" stores of Northborough before 1850 
was kept by Captain Cyrus Gale and Abraham W. Seaver. A 
perusal of their cash books and ledgers discloses the fact that 
liquor was one of their most popular articles of trade. They 
were a progressive firm, always seeking to increase their business. 
One of the novelties they employed to that end was the custom 
of giving a glass of "flip" to every customer whose purchase 
amounted to one dollar, or more. Needless to say, they never 
lacked for customers. 

But the custom grew into an evil which the firm soon recog- 
nized as such; and they determined not only to do away with 
the custom but to discontinue the sale of liquor altogether. 
They adopted a sensational way of doing it, which became "the 
talk of the town." They took their liquor retainers into the 
street, knocked in their heads and poured the liquor into the 
street. Some of their customers vowed that they would never 
enter the store again. They kept their vows about three months, 
but they gradually drifted back. Both Captain Gale and Mr. 
Seaver became rabid temperance reformers. 

The temperance reform had gained such headway in North- 
borough by 1836 that the people suffered the name of the beau- 
tiful eminence in the center of the town — "Liquor Hill" — to be 
changed. The story of how it was done is told in the next 
chapter. 

The following extract from a private letter will show that the 
temperance agitation had worked its way into politics and that 
it had become a live issue as early as 1838. The letter was 
written by Anson Rice, who was then Postmaster of North- 
borough, to his friend. Dr. Joshua J. Johnson, who was living 
temporarily in St. Louis. He says: 

"The political community in this town has been very quiet 
since you left, until a day or two. It has been kept very still 
about candidates for Representative, the temperance and liberals 
both appear to be afraid to have it known who their candidates 
are. Last Saturday evening I was told that C. Gale, Esq., had 
put up a public notice, in pursuance of a circular sent to him by 
the Whig County Committee, calling on all in favor of the regular 
Whig nominations to meet at the Town Hall on Wednesday 
evening next. 

"This seems to trouble the 'Striped Pigs' liberals very much. 
They complain that it is unfair; that it ought to have been a 
call to all the Whigs. So, to steal a march on the temperance 
call they posted notices yesterday, calling a meeting of the 
Whigs on Tuesday evening. What the result will be I cannot tell." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 179 

The letter is dated November 5, 1838. 

The author was interested in the expression "striped pigs" 
in the above extract, and made dihgent inquiry to ascertain its 
meaning. He finally learned that an encampment of the State 
militia was held at Dedham, in 1840. A State law of the time 
prohibited the sale of liquor except in large quantities This 
law was evaded at this encampment in this way : A tent bearing at 
its entrance a sign advertising a "striped pig" on exhibition was 
erected on the grounds. By paying admission to the exhibition 
one discovered on entering, that the "striped pig" was nothing 
rnore or less than a bar for the sale of liquor. The exhibition 
did a thriving business. 

The above encampment was held in 1840. Mr. Rice's letter 
was written in 1838. Thus, it would seem that the temperance 
reform movement, which was destined to amend the Constitu- 
tion of the United States, was fairly under way during the thirties. 
It is a source of pride that Northborough's participation in that 
reform began in 1817. Thus, was Northborough a pioneer in 
the movement for national prohibition. 



CHAPTER XVII 

MOUNT ASSABET 

Mount Assabet is one of the most beautiful topographical 
features of Northborough. Down to the year 1836 it was known 
as "Liquor Hill." That such a beautiful hill in the very center 
of the town should bear such an incongruous name seems not to 
have given the inhabitants of the town any uneasiness. Perhaps 
from their point of view there was no incongruity, for "liquor" 
in those days was a household word. Liquor drinking formed a 
large part of the common life of the time. But the sentiment 
of the people all over the country underwent a change during 
the first quarter of the nineteenth century. For ten years pre- 
vious to 1836 the town of Northborough was considerably stirred 
up over this social custom. A reform had set in. Then it was 
that the inappropriateness of the name "Liquor Hill" as applied 
to one of the most beautiful natural features of the town began 
to dawn upon the minds of the people. 

The first suggestion that the name be changed appears in 
The Meteor, a little paper published by some of Dr. Allen's 
schoolboys. In the issue of June 18, 1836, appears the following 

contribution from a correspondent who signs himself "N ": 

He says: "There is in the center of this town a beautiful hill 
which goes by the unromantic name of 'Liquor Hill.' It derived 
its name from the following circumstance: 

"There was formerly at the foot of this hill, a tavern, at which 
an Indian stopped one day to have his bottle replenished. On 
his return home, he passed over the hill, and sat down under a 
tree to take another refreshing draught, not being able to resist 
the temptation any longer. When he had drunk until he was 
entirely disabled from proceeding any farther, his bottle (one of 
the ancient form in the shape of a small keg), by some unhappy 
accident, slipped from his grasp and rolled down the hill. The 
Indian eyed it wistfully on its rapid course, and, hearing the 
peculiar sound of the liquor issuing from its mouth, called after 
it, 'Ay, good, good, good! I hear you, but I can't get at you!' 

"Ever since this incident occurred the hill has been called by 
the name aforesaid; but we think that, in this age of Temperance 
and Improvement, so pretty a hill should not be suffered to 
retain so ugly a name. For these reasons, we would propose that 
such of our subscribers as like the plan, should send us their 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 181 

opinions, and suggest a better name, before the publication of 
the next number. We should prefer an Indian name." 

This communication called out the following letter which was 
published in the issue of July 2, 1836: 

"Mr. Editor: — 

"In the last number of the Meteor, I noticed an article 
relating to Liquor Hill, so-called, giving an account of the origin 
of the name and suggesting a very good idea — that the appella- 
tion should be changed for one more romantic, or at least, better 
suited to the present state of the times. 

"I have often noticed that as a stranger comes into our village, 
this hill is the first object to attract his attention; and he very 
naturally inquires, 'What is the name of the beautiful hill opposite 
your church?' 'Liquor Hill,' is the reply. 'But why was this 
name given to it?' 'O, because,' — some small boy answers; — and 
this is about as much of a reason as most of our people are able 
to give. Here the curiosity of the stranger ends. It pleased his 
imagination at first view, but the name has dispelled the charm, 
the poetry of the scenery has gone. It is seldom that he ascends 
to the top, and even among our own inhabitants, how few have 
stood upon its summit and beheld the beautiful prospect which 
opens to their view — how beautiful, how interesting to the humble 
admirer of nature! But the name — Liquor Hill! Whence this 
insignificant name? 'O, because' — just because some straggling 
Indian spilt a quart of whiskey on its top — a very silly reason, 
sure enough. And I am gratified to find that others think so 
besides myself. 

"Mr. Editor, I have heard it suggested that Assabet, the 
name of the stream which runs through the village, would be a 
good appellation. I have no objection to its being so-called, 
but allow me to propose one which I think better — Sachemachu- 
sett; 'Sachem', a chief, a ruler, and 'chusett', a hill: Sachema- 
chusett, the King of Hills. 

"But some of your readers may inquire, why call it the 
King of Hills? My answer is, not because it is the largest hill 
in town, for a king is by no means always the largest man of a 
nation, but because his throne is generally near the center of 
his dominions, and he overlooks his subjects. As in an Indian 
council, the sachem takes his stand by himself and is surrounded 
by the people of his tribe, so it is with this hill. It is not the 
largest in town, but it is the most beautiful and commanding. 
Therefore, let us cease to call it by its present vulgar appellation, 
and give it a name of which it is so worthy — 'Sachemachusett.' 

"Georgius." 



182 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The proposition to change the name met with a ready 
response, and "it was not difficult to fix upon the name Mount 
Assahet, from the river of that name which runs through the 
town," says the author of the Allen "Memorial." This same 
"Memorial" goes on to say, that: "A celebration was set on foot 
for the 4th of July, 1836. The whole town participated. The 
multitude gathered on the hill, and after a collation and other 
festivities, an open barrel of water was rolled down the hill to 
efface the memory of the liquor spilled there, while the children 
sang with energy two songs written for the occasion by our 
mother. Altogether it was one of the pleasantest affairs the 
village had known." 

Up to that time the town had not been in the habit of cele- 
brating the Fourth of July, though a patriotic address had been 
delivered the previous year. As this event marks the beginning 
of Fourth of July celebrations we have thought it worth while to 
reproduce here an account of this great day which appeared in 
The Meteor under date of July 16. It said: 

"The day was celebrated in this village in a new and interest- 
ing manner. Arrangements were made for a general gathering 
together of the children belonging to the different schools in 
town, on the Hill which has been mentioned in our former 
numbers. A picnic entertainment was provided for them by 
their parents and friends, and at an early hour on Monday 
morning several young ladies and gentlemen assembled on the 
Hill to make the necessary preparations. 

"The tables were arranged in the form of a hollow square on 
the slope of the hill, commanding a beautiful view of the village, 
and having the center filled with seats for the children. They 
were loaded with the munificent contributions of their friends, 
and were tastefully decorated with flowers; and when the seats 
were filled with smiling and happy faces it was one of the most 
beautiful and interesting sights that could be imagined. 

"A short address was expected to be delivered, and in front 
of the seats was a platform raised for the speaker. In the center 
of the table, and directly in front of the speaker, on the top of a 
large loaf of cake was a figure of the identical Indian himself, 
with tomahawk in hand, and bottle slung over his shoulder. 
He was a fine, sturdy-looking Indian, and doubtless had no 
expectation at the time he spilt his whiskey, of being thus 
immortalized. 

"The weather was rather doubtful all the morning; but one 
o'clock holding out every promise of a fair afternoon, the bells 
rang a merry peal as a signal for the children to assemble. And 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 183 

soon they were seen flocking from all quarters to the vestry (under 
the old town hall) where they were to meet. At two o'clock 
they set out in procession to Mount Assabet, two hundred and 
sixty-four in number. Their teachers marched in front, and 
many others joined them, to the number of above four hundred 
persons. 

"But just as they set out a drizzling rain began to fall, which 
continued till they reached the hill. It then abated and the 
Welcome Song was sung. The last verse was repeated ; and at 
that moment a cask of water which had been placed on the 
hill was rolled down, amid the merry shouts of the boys. The 
refreshments were then handed around, and the other two pieces 
were sung. It continued to sprinkle at intervals, and at last, 
as there was every appearance of a thunder shower approaching, 
we hastened down the hill even more eagerly than we had has- 
tened to it. We were in too much haste to make a regular 
retreat, and we had more the appearance of a flock of frightened 
sheep, or of the hurried flight of an army, than of the neat and 
orderly band in which we at first advanced. 

"O, what a scampering was there! What drabbled dresses 
and straightened curls, and what green and brown streaks upon 
the white pantaloons (white alas, no longer); and to peep a 
little into futurity — what mourning the next day over soiled and 
unstiffened ribbons and handkerchiefs, and defaced kid shoes, 
and, worse than all, what scolding at the wash tubs over the green- 
kneed pantaloons, and other effects of that disastrous flight. 

"We had the full benefit of all the rain that fell both going 
and returning, as _ it stopped almost immediately upon our 
arrival at the Meeting-house, where we went to hear the address 
which was prepared to be delivered on the hill. 

"But after all, there was only rain enough to damp a little, 
without extinguishing our enjoyment. Notwithstanding our 
disappointment, it was universally agreed to be one of the most 
pleasant occasions ever witnessed in this place." 

Such is the impression which this important occasion made 
upon the youthful editor of The Meteor. Compare this 
impression with that which the same event made upon a hard- 
headed stock raiser and farmer. This is the entry which Stephen 
Williams made in his journal: "Monday, July 4, 1836. Ther- 
mometer 61. Cloudy, wind S. E. showers P.M. All the 
Sunday school's children (except the Orthodox) met on Assabet 
Hill, treated with all sorts of cake, and an address to them at the 
Meeting-house by Mr. Allen." 

Mention is made, in the account quoted from The Meteor, 



184 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

of certain songs which were sung on this occasion. Fortunately, 
those songs are preserved in the same number of the paper that 
gives an account of the celebration. They were written for the 
occasion by Dr. Allen's wife. We reproduce them in the order 
in which they appear: 

All hail the day! let joy abound! 

Let all our troubles flee: 
Let praise to God from all resound; 

For a great nation's free! 

When tyrants laid a heavy hand 

Upon our Liberty, 
Then soon arose that patriot band, 

That said, "We will be free!" 

Our ancestors who fought and bled. 

We now no longer see; 
And though they rest among the dead, 

Yet still the nation's free! 

While we enjoy our dear-bought rights 

And join in social glee; 
May all the Blacks as well as Whites, 

Be heard to say, "We're free!" 

The above hymn breathes at once the prayer of gratitude for 
our national independence, and the prayer of hope that the time 
might come when the national sin of slavery should be blotted 
out and our nation become one, all of whose citizens should be 
free. 

But the next song, the song of welcome, is of especial interest 
to us now, because it relates particularly to the rechristening of 
Liquor Hill. 

THE SONG OF WELCOME 

Welcome the day, the happy day, 

That we from care are free; 
Away with study, welcome play. 

We'll independent be. 
Then welcome playmates, one and all, 

O hasten to this pleasant hill ; 
Our feast partake, of fruits and cake, 

Enjoy it all who will. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 185 

Mount Assabet, with smiles we greet, 

Now, Liquor Hill no more; 
That odious name, no more we claim, 

Though long that name it bore. 
Then welcome playmates, one and all, 

O hasten to this pleasant hill ; 
Our feast partake, of fruits and cake, 

Enjoy it all who will. 

For Southern slave, we pity crave. 

But O, consistent be; 
The heaviest chain is forged by sin. 

We would be truly free. 
Then welcome playmates, one and all, 

O hasten to this pleasant hill ; 
Our feast partake, of fruits and cake. 

Enjoy it all who will. 

Vile rum we hate — abominate — 

We will forever flee; 
When on this hill we liquor spill. 

Pure water it shall be. 
Then welcome playmates, one and all, 

O hasten to this pleasant hill; 
Our feast partake, of fruits and cake, 

Enjoy it all who will. 

The third hymn also breathes the prayer for freedom, uni- 
versal|freedom. Northborough at that time was just beginning 
her agitation against slavery: 

O happy children! blest are we! 
Instructed, civilized and free! 
Not forced to wear the galling chain 
And weep our sorrows o'er in vain. 

Our mothers can our footsteps guide. 
With all a mother's love and pride: 
Our fathers lead our wayward youth 
In paths of innocence and truth. 

But O, may pity move our breast 
For all the unhappy and opprest; 
Freedom to all we would extend, 
And be the slave's and Indian's friend. 



186 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Their darkened minds we would invite 
To share with us Religion's light: 
And let them by our actions see 
That Christ has made us truly free. 

In his address, delivered on this occasion, Dr. Allen gives no 
clue as to how the name Mt. Assabet, was decided upon; and in 
the absence of other information (except The Meteor, already 
quoted), we may presume that the change of name was a spon- 
taneous desire on the part of the people of the town to show 
their interest in the temperance reform which was then making 
considerable headway. 

This Fourth of July celebration, coupled with the changing 
of the name of one of the town's beautiful hills was a great event, 
the echoes of which reverberated through many years. Seventy- 
three years after the event the author talked with four people, 
who, as children, had taken part in it — Mrs. George Valentine, 
Miss Mary Brigham, Mrs. Samuel Russell (Lucy Pierce) and 
Charles A. Rice. All of them remembered the occasion with 
pleasure, and spoke of it as one of the outstanding joys of their 
childhood. 



CHAPTER XVIII 

THE OLD TOWN HALL 

What is now the Unitarian Church was formerly the Meeting- 
house. It could be wished that that word had never fallen into 
disuse; for it is a beautful word, and expresses a beautiful custom 
of our forefathers — "going to meeting." The Meeting-house 
was the gathering place on all occasions which called the people 
together. It belonged to all the people. It was their church 
on Sundays ; it was their Town Hall on voting days ; it was their 
gathering place on all social occasions. Life was simple in those 
days. There were no clubs and no societies to call people from 
their homes. Such society as there was was centered around the 
Meeting-house. The Meeting-house was the one center of in- 
fluence in the community. And, as the people used frequently 
to resort to it, the building itself came to occupy a warm place 
in their hearts. That is why our old New England churches are 
revered so highly today by all our people, even by those of other 
faiths who seldom go into them. The traditions of their fathers 
cluster around them, and they are the one link in the com- 
munity which connects the present with the past. 

But when societies began to multiply and life became more 
complex, the need of other gathering places more suited to their 
needs was felt. Then it was that the idea of a Town Hall, a 
place distinct from the Meeting-house, began to develop in the 
minds of the people. Northborough seems to have been abreast 
of the times in this respect, for as early as 1821 the idea of a 
Town House began to take definite form. On April 2, of that 
year, the matter was brought before the town meeting for the 
first time, with the result that a "committee of five were chosen 
to make a form or plan of a building for a Town House, estimate 
the expense, locate a spot to set it, and receive proposals for 
donations and report at May meeting." 

The committee lost no time in attending to the duty assigned 
to them, and on May 7, just one month later, made a very definite 
report. The committee evidently knew just what kind of a 
building they wanted; and as their report is a model of what 
such reports should be, we quote it in full: 



188 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"To the inhabitants of the town of Northborough in town meeting 
assembled: 

"The committee chosen the 2nd day of April last for the 
purpose of making a plan of a building for a town house, of 
estimating the expense, of locating a spot on which to place 
said building, and receive proposals for donations, beg leave 
to submit the following report: 

"1st. Having consulted together, and collected what in- 
formation they could on the subject, they recommend to the 
town that a building be erected forty feet in length, thirty-six 
feet in width, and thirteen feet in height; that the entrance be at 
one end; that eight feet of the building at that end be partitioned 
off from the main body of the building, over which at a height 
of seven feet, there be a floor laid and finished above in form of 
a gallery for the accommodation of youth, children and strangers. 
That one end of the entry be partitioned off for the accommo- 
dation of gentlemen to transact private business on public days, 
or for the use of committees who wish to consult and make report 
at the same meeting; that there be one stack of chimneys erected 
with two fireplaces, so placed that one fire shall warm the great 
hall of the building, the other, the smaller room before described; 
that the garret floor be raised in the center to form an arch; 
that the inside of the whole building be lathed and plastered; 
that there be a suitable platform and seats erected for the use of 
the moderator, town clerk and selectmen ; and that there be three 
ranges of seats on each side of the hall, constructed in the most 
convenient manner for singing schools, leaving an area in the 
center for the use of a militia company, if it should be wanted 
some rainy day. 

"2nd. In estimating the expense, your committee attempted 
to ascertain the difference in the expense of building either with 
brick or wood, and find the difference according to their esti- 
mation to be less than twenty-five dollars — the expense of build- 
ing with brick somewhat less than $800. The extra expense of 
building with brick lies principally in the underpinning. 

"3rd. The spot which they would recommend on which to 
erect said building, is the naked ledge of rocks lying between the 
Meeting-house and the Rev. Mr. Allen's house. 

"4th. In order to obtain as much as could be by subscription 
your committee lost no time in having a subscription paper in 
circulation directly after town meeting, and has been lodged 
with the Messrs. Davis for them to solicit subscriptions ever since 
till this time; and the whole amount subscribed which we think 
will be collected in cash, materials for building, or in labor, 
amounts to sixty-two dollars, and two day's work. 

"Signed, Asaph Rice, Chairman." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 189 

This business-like report was evidently convincing, for the 
town forthwith voted to build a Town House, but of wood, and 
not of brick, as the committee recommended. 

The third section of the above report, that relating to the 
location of the proposed Town House, aroused considerable 
discussion after the meeting. The "naked ledge of rocks" 
westerly of the Meeting-house did not seem to be an appro- 
priate place for the new building; so another meeting was called 
during the following summer to talk about it. The upshot of 
the meeting was the appointment of a committee to consult Mr. 
Abraham Monroe relative to purchasing from him a piece of land 
lying easterly of the Meeting-house, which he owned. The 
conference with Mr. Monroe was entirely satisfactory, for he 
very generously offered to give the said land on condition that 
"the town would build the Town House upon it, and keep it 
there." This offer was accepted, and the land passed into the 
hands of the town.* 

The Town House was accordingly built in the summer of 
1821, and was ready for occupancy in October of that year. 
The carpentry work was done by Lyman Howe, a contractor 
from Shrewsbury. The building cost $966. It stood a little 
east by south of the present high school building, directly on 
Whitney Street — Whitney Street at that time lying a little farther 
west than its present location. 

In 1832, the activities of the Unitarian Church had multi- 
plied to such an extent that they could not be carried on in the 
Meeting-house as it then was. They needed more room. So 
the parish asked the town to raise the Town House and build 
a vestry under it, the parish to rent the same. The proposi- 
tion was also made at this time to move the Town House to the 
opposite side of the road. Both propositions were favorably 
received and the town voted to put them into effect, on condition 
however, that the parish bear the expense, and "that they be 
done to the acceptance of a town's committee." Both things 
were done, and to the acceptance of all concerned. And the 
parish rented the vestry under the Town House until its own 
Meeting-house was remodeled, in 1848. 

When these changes were made the Town House was placed 
a few feet south of the present high school building, and the 
road was pushed a few feet to the eastward, where it now is. 

We have written at some length concerning this first Town 

*The deed of the land says that the town paid $60 for it. 

As it is not generally known that the town owns this piece of land, it may be said here 
that it is a triangular lot lying southeast of the Unitarian Church — bounded on the east by 
Whitney Street, on the south by Church Street, and on the west by the Unitarian Common. 
It contains one hundred rods. 



190 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

House because for half a century it was a landmark in this 
neighborhood. About the time it was built the town was much 
interested in the development of the art of singing, making an 
appropriation from year to year for that purpose; thus in an 
official way encouraging an art which did not receive adequate 
recognition in most towns until a much later time. Those 
singing lessons were carried on in this old Town Hall. Later, 
private singing schools were held there for many years under the 
direction of Joseph Addison Allen ; and still later, by Jairus 
Lincoln. Those singing schools were an important institution, 
and did more for the social and cultural life of the community 
than can well be computed at this late date. 

Then again, that old Town Hall was the home of the "North- 
borough Lyceum," another helpful institution that flourished 
in this town for more than half a century. All questions of 
local and national and international importance were discussed 
there with a freedom that brought forth results, not the least of 
which was the ability of citizens to think on their feet in town 
meeting, and to discuss intelligently all questions pertaining to 
the welfare of the town. The "Lyceum" also brought to town 
many of the best known lecturers of the day, all of whom poured 
forth their eloquence and enthusiasm in that little old Town 
Hall. Let us name a few: 

John B. Gough, the famous temperance lecturer, delivered 
his first public lecture there. 

Nathaniel P. Banks, who later became a famous Governor 
of Massachusetts. 

Anson Burlingame, who, as American Minister to China, 
did such a wonderful work. 

Elizabeth Oak-Smith, who was one of the first of that large 
army of women who have employed the public platform for the 
presentation of their doctrines. 

Henry Wilson, United States Senator and Vice-President of 
the United States. 

Edward Everett, the greatest orator of his day. 

Alexander Everett, brother of Edward, who would doubtless 
have equaled his brother had he lived long enough. 

Horace Mann, one of the country's greatest educators. 

Lowell Mason, known and beloved by every lover of music. 

Wendell Phillips, the silver-tongued orator, who first made 
his auditors mad, and afterwards made them think. 

William Welles Brown, and George and Ellen Crafts, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 191 

three fugitive slaves, who stirred the northern people to righteous 
indignation against the national sin of slavery. 

Rev. Henry Giles, an eminent Englishman, who half a cen- 
tury ago was connected with Dr. James Martineau in the great 
Liverpool Controversy, delivered his first sermon and his first 
lecture in this country, in Northborough. 

Frederick Douglass, honored and beloved of all colored 
people, and the first colored man that most Northborough people 
had ever seen. 

These are only a few of the famous public speakers who made 
the rafters of that old Town Hall ring with their eloquence. 

As early as 1837, and for many years thereafter, the question 
of slavery was denounced in no uncertain terms from the plat- 
form of that same old Town Hall, thus making of it North- 
borough's veritable "cradle of liberty." 

And last, but by no means least, the old Town House was the 
early home of the Northborough High School. For five years 
it sheltered the youth of the town and gave them instruction in 
those humanitarian studies which have strengthened and beauti- 
fied their lives unto this day. A fitting ending this, for a building 
around which for fifty years were centered so many traditions 
of our little community. We do well to revere its memory. 

The old Town Hall burned down on February 22, 1870. It 
was a cold day, and the high school was in session. And some 
of the students are known to have expressed their joy "that the 
old thing had burned down." But that was because they had 
asked that the day be a holiday, and their request had been 
refused. The mind of youth is irreverent. It is safe to say 
now, however, that the men and women of today who were 
students then in the old Town Hall, hold that building in tender 
reverence. 

Note. Since writing the above we have come into possession of the 
address (in manuscript) which Dr. Allen delivered at the dedication of the 
new Town Hall in 1868. He had seen the Old Town House built, and had 
been familiar with it throughout its many years of usefulness, and naturally 
had sornething to say about it upon the dedication of the new Hall. What 
he said is such an aflfectionate tribute that we feel sure our readers will want 
to hear it. We therefore append it : 

"The Old Town House built in 1821, was, if I mistake not, the first build- 
ing of the kind in all this region round about — the first town hall built ex- 
pressly for secular uses; and, inferior as it seems today in comparison with 
this noble structure, it was regarded at the time of its erection as one of the 
chief ornaments of the village. It was also, I think, the first building with a 
Grecian front, in imitation (on a very small scale indeed), but after the pattern 
of the famed Parthenon at Athens — the first, I say, in this style that was 



192 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

erected in this neighborhood; and in its earlier years strangers of cultivated 
taste were accustomed to express in strong terms, their admiration of its fair 
proportions and classical beauty. 

"Let not the Old Town House be despised or forgotten. It has a history 
of which we need not be ashamed, but of which we have reason to be proud. 
. . . We take leave then, of the Old Town House not without tender and 
grateful recollections of what it has been to us and what it has done for us, 
commending it to your favor in the transformation it has undergone in the 
uses to which it is now applied." 



CHAPTER XIX 

THE TOWN HALL 

The old Town Hall was built in 1821, and served its purpose 
for more than forty years. The town was growing in the 
meantime and its social activities were multiplying. The need 
of a larger and more commodious building was beginning to be 
felt. As early as 1860 measures were taken to meet this larger 
need. Plans for a new building were drawn at that time; but 
before any definite action was taken the Civil War broke out. 
That put an end to all expenditures that were not absolutely 
essential. As soon as the war was over, however, the matter 
was revived, and under date of March 5, 1866, we read in the 
Town Records that it was, "Voted, that the Selectmen be in- 
structed to obtain the refusal of a suitable lot for a town hall, 
and report." 

The Selectmen lost no time in attending to the duty assigned 
them and two weeks later reported that "they had examined 
two lots; and that a lot w^here the Northborough Hotel now 
stands is offered for $1500." But the town was not as expedi- 
tious as were the Selectmen and the latter were asked to make 
further investigations. This, they did, and made another report 
on April 2. Their second report was accepted and it was "Voted, 
that the Selectmen be instructed to purchase a lot suitable for 
a town hall as soon as convenient." They were also instructed 
to have plans drawn. 

In November of that year the land had been purchased, a 
Building Committee appointed with instructions to "locate and 
build such a house as they may see fit;" but with the further 
instructions "to build the town hall of brick and stone," and 
that "it be completed within 11| months." 

But these were days immediately following a great and costly 
war; and, as always happens at such times prices of everything 
were very high. In view of this fact, the Committee in a lengthy 
report March 18, 1867, recommended "that the town rescind 
the vote whereby they instructed them to complete the building 
in 11| months, that the committee may take advantage of the 
market for the purchase of the lumber, or make the contract 
based upon a much lower price than the present, which they feel 
confident they can do when the new lumber comes into the 
market." 



194 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The recommendation of the committee was accepted and the 
restriction removed. 

The new Town Hall was built during the summer and winter 
of 1867, and was dedicated on Tuesday, February 25, 1868, 
with the following program: 

ORDER OF EXERCISES 

Music: By the Band 

1. Invocation: By Rev. Mr. Myrick. 

2. Remarks: By the President, Geo. C. Davis, Esq. 

3. Statement from the Building Committee: By their chairman, 

Wilder Bush, Esq. 

4. Reading Scriptures: By Rev. Mr. Lamson. 

5. Original Hymn: By F. M. Chesbro. 

6. Address: By Rev. Dr. Allen. 
Anthem: "Great is the Lord." 

7. Dedicatory Prayer: By Rev. Mr. Sanborn. 

8. Poem: By Thomas W. Valentine, Brooklyn, N. Y. 
Music: By the Band. 

9. Addresses: By Citizens and Invited Guests. 
10. "Old Hundred": By the Audience. 

At the March meeting, 1868, the Building Committee made 
its final report, as follows: 

"Your committee chosen at the November meeting of 1866 
to build your town hall, having attended to the duty assigned 
them, ask leave to make the following report: 

"After several consultations in committee, in which we found 
some differences of opinion, as to plans, etc. (though no more 
perhaps than might be expected in a committee of that number), 
we decided almost unanimously to adopt the plan furnished 
by A. R. Esty, Esq., and directed him to complete plans and 
specifications for the building, from which we now have the 
pleasure to present for your inspection, this building substan- 
tially completed. For some cause unknown to your committee, 
early in our proceeding, one of their number who doubtless was 
selected on account of his practical experience and skill in 
building, withdrew from their meeting, and we have been obliged 
to proceed without his aid and assistance. 

"Your building has been done mostly by contract, and we 
have the pleasure to say to you that there has been a disposition 
manifested by the contractors and their employees generally 
to do their work in a satisfactory manner, and that they have 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 195 

given you as a whole, a good, substantial and thoroughly finished 
building, which we trust will, with small repairs, last as long as 
any of us remain here to use it, and do good service to those 
who may come after us. 

"The stone work, including cellar wall, was done by Messrs. 
S. A. Wheeler & Son, and Mr. D. Damen, of Fitchburg, with 
granite brought from that place. Your building (except stone 
work) has been built by Mr. J. C. French, of Worcester. The 
mason work was done by E. and W. Ames, of Worcester. All 
the work has been superintended by Isaac B. Crosby, a man 
we think fully qualified for the charge assigned him. 

"Your committee have agreed with Mr. J. H. Mclntire for 
an exchange of land on the north end of your lot which will give 
you more room on your easterly front, and would recommend 
that you authorize some person to make and execute suitable 
papers for the exchange. 

"There are a few small things not yet finished — the fence on 
the west side, and some grading on the north end of the lot we 
were prevented from doing by winter setting in; and there may 
be some other small things wanting, which we will finish, if you 
desire, when the spring opens. 

"Your committee having very nearly completed the duties 
assigned them, will take this opportunity to say that it has been 
no small task to perform; that it has necessarily taken con- 
siderable time as well as some expense, for which we have made 
no charge. The committee in undertaking their duties had 
not the vanity to expect they could give entire satisfaction in 
every particular, and will be content if we have succeeded as a 
whole. We have endeavored to carry out your wishes so far 
as expressed, and to give you a building not only for present 
use but for future use. 

"Your committee has received from town treasurer, $35,550.00 
"Bills paid, 34,892.72 

"Leaving cash on hand, $657.28 

"Wilder Bush 
G. G. Valentine 

MiLO HiLDRETH 

Abraham W, Seaver 
"NoRTHBOROUGH, 2nd March, 1868." 

The "extras" which the committee promised to do in the 
spring, were done during the summer, and on November 3, 1868, 
the committee made a supplementary report saying that the 



Committee. 



196 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

entire cost of the building, including fitting up of stores, was 
$37,672.43. 

The committee in their excellent report, neglected to say 
that the bricks used in the construction of the building were 
made by Alonzo Howe, who at that time conducted a brick- 
yard on his farm, on the Marlborough Road (the farm now 
owned by Mr. Shutte). 

Rev. Dr. Allen, in his dedicatory address very finely out- 
lined the uses to which the new building should be put. He 
said: 

"But to what uses shall we appropriate and to what objects 
shall we dedicate and consecrate this spacious and beautiful 
hall? It is to the town what the State House is to the Com- 
monwealth — what the Capitol at Washington is to the Nation — 
the hall of legislation, the place where the people assemble in 
their sovereign capacity to exercise their rights as free citizens. 
Every incorporated town or district is a little republic whose 
prerogative it is, within certain prescribed limits, to make rules 
and regulations for their own guidance and protection and 
improvement. These primary assemblies, these meetings of the 
people in their sovereign capacity as the original sources of 
political power, are indeed pure democracies, and the best speci- 
mens of the kind that the world has known. 

"This Hall, then, is to be our Senate Chamber, our House of 
Representatives, our Congress. Let it be dedicated then, to 
the cause of civil liberty and popular rights. And let those 
who from time to time shall meet here discharge their duties, 
exercise their rights as citizens and free men, intelligently, 
honestly, conscientiously, independently, with a single regard 
to the public good. 

"We dedicate it, moreover, to the cause of popular education. 
Hither will come up we trust as the seasons revolve, crowds of 
eager listeners to be instructed, entertained, made wiser and 
better by what falls from the lips of the learned and eloquent 
who, from time to time shall occupy this platform. We dedicate 
and devote this Town Hall to this important object — the edu- 
cation of the people." 

The oil painting of Daniel Webster which hangs on the 
front wall of the hall was given to the town by Thomas W. 
Valentine, at the time the hall was dedicated. That of Isaac 
Davis which also hangs on the front wall, belongs to the North- 
borough Free Library, being merely loaned to the hall. 



CHAPTER XX 

NORTHBOROUGH'S ATTITUDE TOWARD SLAVERY 

We have shown in another place that Northborough dis- 
tinguished herself during the Revolutionary period of our 
country's history. Her zeal for freedom and liberty cannot be 
gainsaid by anyone who is familiar with her patriotic devotion 
during those momentous days. We shall endeavor to show in 
this chapter that her zeal for freedom extended to the black 
man as well as to the white man. The United States Constitu- 
tion was a compromise on the negro question — a solution of the 
problem that satisfied no one; and which sowed the seeds 
of generations of trouble which terminated only after four 
years of unprecedented civil war. The truth of Lincoln's epi- 
gram, "this country cannot exist half free and half slave," was 
fully realized throughout the north many years before Lincoln 
uttered it. 

Slavery brought on the Civil War in the spring of 186L But 
for nearly thirty years before that event the people of North- 
borough sensed it, and began to discuss ways and means for 
averting it. The earliest record we can find dates back to 1834. 
There was in the town at that time an organization known as 
the "Northborough Lyceum." That organization was a very 
active one. It started as early as 1827 in a series of lectures on 
astronomy by Dr. Allen. Its purpose in the beginning was 
purely educational. The townspeople were quick to catch its 
inspiration however, and within a short time it had broadened 
its scope until it became a veritable forum for the discussion of 
all moral questions which affected not only the life of the com- 
munity, but of the state and nation as well. Speakers were im- 
ported from abroad; and during its existence of more than half 
a century many of the best public speakers in the country spoke 
from its platform.* 

It was from the platform of this organization that the question 
of slavery was first discussed in Northborough. The early 
records of the Lyceum are not known to be in existence. But 
we learn from a private diary kept by one who attended its 
meetings, that on January 14, 1834, "Mr. Russell of West 
Boylston gave a lecture on Slavery." The people were evidently 
interested in the subject, for one week later, January 21, we 
read that "Mr. Keith gave a lecture on slavery; how to remove 

*See chapter, "The Old Town Hall." 



198 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

slavery; showing the disadvantages of colonization, and how 
much better it is to abolish slavery at once." This item is 
interesting as showing that the idea of colonizing the negroes 
(which has its advocates in our day, as a solution of the negro 
problem) was broached at that early day. 

Those Lyceum lectures and discussions kept the matter 
before the people. But by 1837 the people had become so much 
interested that they felt the need of more frequent discussion 
than the Lyceum could afford, and they petitioned the town for 
permission to use the Town Hall for that purpose. The Town 
Record reveals the following under date of November 13, 1837: 

"Article XIL To see if the town will give liberty to Lyman 
Allen and others, to have the use of the Town Hall to hold lectures 
on 'Slavery.'" And it was "Voted that the prayer of the peti- 
tioners be granted." 

How long these lectures were continued does not appear; 
but sufficiently long to imbue the people with a thorough detesta- 
tion of the iniquity of the institution of slavery, as will appear 
from the following Resolutions against the annexation of Texas 
which was adopted on June 5, 1844. These Resolutions were 
drawn by a skilful hand; and any town might well feel proud 
to have them on its official records. 

REMONSTRANCE AGAINST THE ANNEXATION OF TEXAS 

"To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives in 
Congress assembled: 

"The legal voters of the Town of Northborough, in the County 
of Worcester and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in town 
meeting legally assembled and duly organized, in accordance 
with a right guaranteed to them by the Constitution, ask leave 
respectfully to present to your honorable body the following 
remonstrance against the annexation of Texas to the United 
States, either by treaty or by a joint resolution of Congress, or 
in any manner whatever. 

"And they respectfully urge upon the consideration of your 
honorable body the following reasons for their remonstrance: 

"In the first place, they regard the annexation of Texas to 
this Union under any form now proposed, as unconstitutional. 
Mr. Jefferson has declared, that the Constitution has made 
no provision for holding foreign territory, still less for incor- 
porating foreign nations into our Union, and the fact that the 
Constitution provides the manner in which 'new states may be 
admitted' is evidence, that the admission in any other manner 
is unconstitutional; hence the annexation proposed, your 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 199 

remonstrants believe, would be on the part of the Executive and 
the Congress of the nation an assumption of undelegated, ar- 
bitrary, unrighteous power; in its tendency subversive of the 
Constitution, the union of these states, and even of the founda- 
tion of our republican government, and in no way to be justified 
or tolerated by any previous acquisition of or for the accom- 
plishment of any party, or sectional purposes, or for the advan- 
tage of the bond-holders or the speculators in Texan lands, or 
for any other reason now known to exist. 

"The second reason for remonstrance against the annexa- 
tion of Texas is, that it would be a violation of our treaty with 
Mexico, and an attempt to wrest from that government a large 
territory to which her claim has been conceded by this nation, 
a claim in no way annulled or even weakened by a recognition 
on the part of our government of the independence of Texas; 
and your remonstrants believe, that the proposed annexation 
would be in these circumstances a flagrant violation of our 
pledged faith to Mexico, an offence against the law of nations, 
and gross injustice to a government who may be supposed to 
have not the power of successful resistance. 

"A third reason against the annexation of Texas is, that it 
will be a virtual declaration of war — an unnecessary and unjust 
war with Mexico. This is believed, not only by your remon- 
strants, but by many of the most eminent statesmen and jurists 
in the land ; and the presidential incumbent, if he does not wish 
to provoke a war to hasten the annexation of Texas, as is manifest 
by his gathering troops on the banks of the Sabine and sending 
a squadron to the Gulf of Mexico. And the almost inevitable 
result of this unprecedented train of measures must be a war 
with some of the most powerful nations of Europe, and the 
merited indignation of the civilized world. 

"A fourth reason against the proposed annexation is, that 
it is designed and adapted to perpetuate and extend the evils of 
slavery, and also to augment the relative power of the slave 
states; a design apparent from the written communications of 
those who negotiated the Texas Treaty, and from the treaty 
itself; a measure against which this meeting earnestly and con- 
scientiously remonstrate, because they regard American slavery 
as the bane of this nation, and a stain upon our national character 
in the view of the civilized world, a violation of the inalienable 
rights of the enslaved, a violation of the precepts of Christianity, 
inconsistent with our boasted pretensions to freedom, and a sin, 
which, in the language of Mr. Jefferson, "as God is just, should 
lead us to tremble for our country. 

"A fifth reason is, that should Texas be annexed to the 



200 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Union, it is conceded by the highest authority, that the Union 
will become responsible for the debt of Texas, whether that 
debt be assumed by express stipulation or not; a debt, the amount 
of which is not precisely known here, but computed by those 
best qualified to judge, to exceed thirteen millions of dollars; 
and against the assumption of any such pecuniary responsibility, 
or increasing a national debt by purchasing of Alexico a terri- 
tory we do not want, and the acquisition of which in the manner 
proposed would be our reproach in the sight of all nations, we 
respectfully and deliberately remonstrate. 

"The sixth and last reason for remonstrance to which this 
meeting would call the attention of your honorable body is, 
that to extend our territory so widely would greatly multiply 
conflicting and opposing interests, furnish new causes for col- 
lision and strife, and sectional jealousies; and surely weaken if 
not utterly subvert, our republican government. Two million 
of square miles under a genial sun, in a healthy climate, with a 
fertile soil, capable of sustaining a population of one hundred 
millions must obviously be a domain and a nation vast enough 
for any free government; and unless the citizens are universally 
free, enlightened, patriotic and virtuous — far too vast to dwell 
in peace, and sustain free republican institutions. 

"These are some of the reasons why the citizens of North- 
borough in legal town meeting would respectfully and earnestly 
remonstrate against the annexation of Texas in any form to the 
territory of the United States; and pray your honorable body to 
resist such annexation. 

"All which is respectfully submitted. 

"Warren Fay 
Joseph Allen 

Joel W. Fletcher \ Committee. 
Asaph Rice 
Wilder Bush 

"Northborough, June 5, 1844." 

This remonstrance was adopted June 5, 1844, and the com- 
mittee, was instructed to procure signatures to the same, have it 
certified by the town clerk, and send it to the Senate and House 
of Representatives in Congress assembled" ; and also "to the Wor- 
cester Spy, and Boston Chronicle, and Emancipator for publication. 

The Tyler Administration, with John C. Calhoun as Secre- 
tary of State, had negotiated a secret treaty with the Texan 
government on April 12, looking to the annexation of Texas 
to the United States; and ten days later it was presented to 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 201 

the Senate for ratification. But it was not ratified. Many of 
the Senators who voted against it did so on the ground that 
annexation of territory should not be made by treaty, but by 
both branches of Congress. 

The matter was brought up again at the following session 
of Congress in December. 

That Northborough was in earnest in its opposition to a 
measure which it regarded as iniquitous is shown by the fact 
that it held another town meeting on December 23, when it 
readopted the remonstrance, and sent the following petition 
to the Massachusetts Legislature: 

'To the Honorable Senate and the House of Representatives 
in General Court assembled: 

"The Inhabitants of Northborough in the County of Wor- 
cester in town meeting legally assembled hereby petition your 
Honorable body to remonstrate forthwith to the Congress of 
the United States against the annexation of Texas to this 
Union." 

Doubtless, many other towns in the state sent similar peti- 
tions, for it is a matter of history that the Massachusetts Legis- 
lature did remonstrate to the Congress of the United States. 
And it is also a matter of history that no attention was paid 
to the remonstrance; for on March 1, 1845, Texas was annexed 
to the United States by a joint resolution of both branches of 
Congress; and the resolution was signed by President Polk on 
the following day. 

This action of Congress and of President Polk kindled the 
ire of the citizens of Northborough to a white heat. As an 
evidence of which, we append the following, which explains 
itself : 

Note. What follows, is copied from the Secretary's original report, 
which manuscript is in the possession of the Northborough Historical Society. 

"At a meeting of the citizens of Northborough at the house 
of E. D. Blake on Monday evening, March 3, 1845, for the 
purpose of adopting some suitable measures to express -jw a 
faint degree, the feelings of regret and deep sadness with which 
we have heard of the passage in the Senate of these United 
States, the resolutions by which Texas is annexed to this 
Union. 

"Mr. Asaph Rice being called to the chair chose A. W. Seaver, 
Secretary. 

"Voted, that as the flag had been loaned to a neighboring 
town, that the same be sent for. 



202 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"Voted, that the two gentlemen who loaned the flag be a 
committee to send for it. 

"Voted, to raise the flag tomorrow morning at half mast, 
with Union down, to hang in that position during the day. 

"Voted, to have both the bells tolled for half an hour at 
sunrise, noon, and sunset. 

"Voted, to choose a committee of three to revise the doings 
of this meeting and put it in proper form for publication, and 
send the same to the editors of the Worcester papers for publi- 
cation. Chose Jairus Lincoln, A. W. Seaver and Dr. J. J. 
Johnson. 

"Voted, that the same gentlemen be a committee to prepare 
business for the next meeting." 

The meeting was then adjourned to March 5, at which 
adjournment the chairman of the above-mentioned committee 
"read certain declarations, which were discussed." 

In view of the language used in the above votes it would be 
interesting to know what those "certain declarations" were. 
And in the hope that they were published in the "Massachu- 
setts Spy," the author recently spent an entire afternoon at the 
rooms of the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester going 
over the files of that paper — but his search brought nothing to 
light, beyond certain editorials reproduced from well-known 
papers throughout the country. Those editorials were couched 
in language not one whit less vigorous than the language em- 
ployed by the citizens' meeting in Northborough. Indeed, the 
similarity of the language from various parts of the country is 
strong contemporary evidence that the Annexation of Texas was 
a measure to which the people of the northern states were bitterly 
opposed. They all prophesied that it meant war. And, as a 
matter of fact, the prophecy was fulfilled in the "Mexican War" 
— the one chapter in our country's history of which Americans 
are not altogether proud. 

Being curious to know whether this "Remonstrance" was 
actually sent to Washington and read in the Congress of the 
United States, the author wrote to the Hon. John Jacob Rogers, 
Congressman from the Fifth Massachusetts District, asking 
him to look over the Congressional Record to see whether any 
mention were made of it. His request elicited from Mr. Rogers 
the following reply: 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 203 

"House of Representatives, 

Committee on Foreign Affairs, 

Washington, D. C. 

May 21, 1918. 
''Rev. J. C. Kent, 

"Norihborough, Mass. 

"Dear Mr. Kent: 

"I am sending you today by registered mail a tube containing 
photographs of the two documents of which you desire the text 
and signatures. 

"It may be interesting to you to know why I have taken 
two weeks to get this for you. 

"Upon receipt of your letter I referred your inquiry to the 
Library of Congress. After a few days they notified me that 
they were unable to find any trace of the documents or even any 
reference to them. I then secured a copy of the Congressional 
Globe — the Congressional Record oi that day — for 1844 and made 
a personal search. I finally found the following entries: 

"The Journal of the House of Representatives for December 
30th, 1844, page 145 (28th Congress, 2d Session), shows that the 
following resolution was filed by Representative Hudson of 
Massachusetts: 'A Memorial of Citizens of Northborough in the 
State of Massachusetts against the Annexation of Texas.' 

"The Journal of the House of Representatives for June 15th, 
1844, page 1126 (28th Congress, 1st Session), shows that the 
following resolution was filed, also by Mr. Hudson: 'A Remon- 
strance of the Citizens of Worcester County in the State of 
Massachusetts' against the Annexation of Texas to the United 
States. 

"I then turned again to the Library of Congress giving this 
clew and asking for a report. On the fifteenth instant the Libra- 
rian wrote me the enclosed letter. I then took up the matter as 
he suggested with the Clerk of the House of Representatives. 
He gave me a further clew and insisted that he was sure that 
the papers must be somewhere in the Library of Congress. 

"I accordingly turned to the Library for the third time and 
after a long search in the archives, the originals were located and, 
at my request, photographed. 

"I hope they will reach you safely, and will serve your purpose. 

"With kind regards, I remain, 

"Sincerely yours, 

"John Jacob Rogers." 



204 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

With this letter from Mr. Rogers came the photographic 
copies of the original remonstrance, which prove conclusively 
that the voice of Northborough was actually heard in the halls 
of Congress. 

On June 4, 1842, the Baptist Church expressed its detesta- 
tion of slavery in the following resolutions: 

"Resolved: That as a church of our Lord Jesus Christ we 
feel it to be our duty to bear public testimony against the op- 
pressive and wicked system of American Slavery ; a system which 
in our opinion is subversive of the rights of humanity, the laws 
of order, and the principles inculcated by our Lord and Redeemer. 
And we are persuaded that if this system be tolerated and per- 
petuated in our country, it cannot fail to bring down upon it the 
judgments of a sin-avenging God. 

"Resolved: That entertaining such views of this odious and 
abominable system, that we will not admit a slave-holding 
minister into our pulpit (knowing him to be such), nor a slave- 
holding member, nor an advocate of slavery to our communion 
table. 

"Resolved: That as disciples of Christ, we feel grieved that 
ministers of the Gospel and members of evangelical churches 
should be found strengthening the hands of the oppressor, if not 
by actual apology, at least by leaving him unrebuked in his sins, 
and so far despising or forgetting the oppressed, as to leave them 
to suffer and die in their bonds, without special prayer and effort 
for their speedy and entire deliverance; and that we do most 
affectionately and solemnly entreat such ministers and church 
members to repent before God; and henceforth 'to remember 
those who are in bonds as bound with them; and hastening with 
the oppressor and the oppressed to the judgment seat of Christ. 

"Resolved: That the Christian Reflector, in our opinion, is 
exerting a powerful influence in favor of the abolition of slavery, 
and for this reason we hope it will be extensively patronized." 

The above resolutions express the true Northborough spirit. 

THE MEXICAN WAR 

This remonstrance of the town of Northborough, together 
with many more throughout the North, proved unavailing, for 
Texas was annexed to the Union and the area of slave-holding 
territory was thereby greatly increased. 

The Mexican War followed as a natural sequel to this event; 
for no sooner had the Annexation of Texas been proclaimed than 
a dispute arose over its southern boundary. Mexico claimed 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 205 

that the Neuces River marked the boundary; while the United 
States claimed that the Rio Grande marked the boundary 
And on the strength of its claim the United States Government 
ordered General Taylor to occupy the disputed territory. When 
he did so, his advance forces were attacked by the Mexicans. 
War followed, "by act of Mexico," as our Government claimed. 

The Mexican War was vigorously opposed by New England, 
and by some other sections of the North. It gave a new impetus 
to the discussion of the slavery question; and it might be said 
that our Civil War had its beginning in the Mexican War. 

There is no evidence whatever to show that Northborough 
participated in the Mexican War except in way of protest. Her 
protest voiced itself in a set of statesmanlike resolutions against 
the Annexation of Texas in 1844-45. That event immediately 
preceded the war; and it is safe to presume that the temper of 
the people as expressed in those Resolutions was not mollified 
by the war itself which followed so soon afterwards. The 
Mexican War was very unpopular throughout the Northern 
states, and our young men were loath to enter it. We are 
told that the neighboring town of Marlborough contributed only 
one man to it. Northborough had had her share in all the 
righteous wars of her country; but it is a matter of pride with her 
that she abstained from participation in the Mexican War, 
which she considered an unrighteous one. 

THE FREE-SOIL PARTY 

The war lasted two years, 1846-48, and cost $66,000,000. 
In the meantime the institution of slavery was discussed vig- 
orously. A presidential election took place in the latter year, 
1848, and it was generally supposed that either one or both of 
the great political parties would take a stand on the question. 
The dominant parties of that time were the Democrats and the 
Whigs. The Democrats held their Convention in Baltimore, 
on May 22, and nominated Cass and Butler as their standard- 
bearers. The Whigs held their Convention in Philadelphia on 
June 7, and nominated Taylor and Fillmore. Both parties 
adopted resolutions embodying their platforms, and adjourned. 
But neither party took any stand whatever on the slavery 
question, a question that was uppermost in the minds of the 
people. Their failure to do so was regarded as a cowardly dis- 
regard of the people's wishes. 

Massachusetts was quick to give vent to its feelings. Peti- 
tions were drawn up in many towns and cities asking that a new 
party be formed that should take a decided stand against slavery. 



206 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



It is not an easy matter to organize a new political party. It 
is impossible to crystalize a party around a man, or a vagary. 
Many attempts to do so have been made in -our country, but 
they have all been futile. Political parties grow up around great 
principles, never around a personality, no matter how popular 
that personality might be. 

But here was a great principle — a principle that was rocking 
our country to its foundations. 

Northborough was not one whit behind other towns in the 
state in this matter. She drew up a petition. And thereby 
hangs a tale. The following is 



NORTHBOROUGH'S PETITION FOR A NEW PARTY 

"We, the Subscribers, voters of the town of Northborough, 
and members of the different political parties, believing that 
our rights and interests have been long enough trifled with by 
the Slave-holding aristocracy of the South; and being disap- 
pointed and disgusted with the nominations for President and 
Vice-president, recently made by the Democratic and Whig 
Conventions; and having fully determined to vote for no man 
for either of those offices who is not KNOWN to be opposed to 
the further extension of Slavery — ^Would earnestly recommend 
the calling of a Convention of all opposed to Southern dictation, 
to deliberate and ACT in the present crisis, in reference to the 
nomination of independent candidates for President and Vice- 
president who are KNOWN to be opposed to the further exten- 
sion of Slavery, and in favor of its immediate abolition in any 
District or Territory belonging to the United States:" 



Asaph Rice 
Cyrus Gale 
Silas Haynes 
Calvin B. Cook 
Lucius H. Wakefield 
Cyrus Davis 
Asa Holmes 
Gardiner P. Houghton 
Warren Fay 
Henry Barnes 
Russell Drake 
Thomas Keith 
C. J. Howe 
Geo. Barnes 
John Rice 
James S. Baird 
Adams Whitney 
Samuel A. Smith 
Silas S. Whitney 
George F. H. Rice 
Winslow Beeton 
Jonas Hastings 
G. G. Warren 
T. W. Warren 
Elijah Bemis 
S. W. Norcross 



Warren B. Hale 
Gill Valentine 
Caleb Maynard 
Denna How 
A. B. Rice 
William Hills 
Caleb Rice 
Chas. D. Eager 
Lewis Allen 
Stephen Jerauld 
Stephen Jerauld, Jr. 
John Brigham 
Daniel Brewer 
Abel Beeman 
James Potter 
Delano Patrick 
Samuel Gibson 
George Gray 
Silas Allen 
Columbus Eames 
Charles Phelps 
Henry Warren 
Wm. Young 
Ephraim Adams 
Denna Eager 
Levi Hastings 



Lorenzo Whittemore 
William Burdett 
J. Herney Moore 
John H. Wood 
Sidney Bigelow 
W. A. Sawyer 
Milo Hildreth 
Samuel L Rice 
Samuel Clark 
James Davis 
Robert Temple 
S. M. Davis 
Josiah Stone 
Wm. Ware 
Charles N. Hill 
Robert Ball 
H. H. Crosby 
Charles M. Bailey. 
Charles E. Brigham 
Frederick W. Brigham 
Wm. A. Rich 
Jeremiah Hunt 
Edward Warren 
Moses Green 
Matthias Walker 
William Stratton 



John Winch 
Henry G. Colbuin 
W. H. F. Eager 
Jonathan Bartlett 
Wm. A. Houghton 
Wm. T. Have n 
F. D. Bartlett 
Shaal Mason 
Joshua J. Johnson 
Abel Warren 
Ancil Tyler, Jr. 
Enoch Patterson 
Nahum Eager 
Stephen Glazier 
Phineas Allen 
M. G. Fosgate 
Geo. C. Valentine 
Thomas F. Seaver 
Stephen Ball 
Martin Wright 
Samuel Fisher 
David Yeason 
Samuel Russell 
Lorenzo L. Moore 
Levi Stratton 
Wm. Gibson 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



207 



David Densmore 
Curtis Rice 
Silas A. Cutler 
Albert Goodrich 
Henry Ball 
Clias. Miles 
John Wood 
Myles Wood 
E. C. Graves 
Robert Moor 
Samuel L. Ward 
Thomas I. Johnson 
W. T. Bush 
J. Davis 
James Maynard 
William Seaver 
Cyrus Gale. Jr. 



William L. Eager 
George W. Ball 
John F. Fay 
Abraham W. Seaver 
John Boyden 
Josiah R. Southworth 
William C. Southworth 
John R. Miller 
Joshua C. Jewett 
Charles Southworth 
Amos Palmer 
Brigham Howe 
Elmer Valentine 
Edward B. Ball 
William Fay 
Joseph Allen 
Luther Hawes 



Hanvood Proctor 
Arte Pattison 
Brigham Patterson 
W. H. Freeman 

Florence 

Rice 

A. Haskell 
Albert H. Haskell 
Stephen Yates 
Albert H. Stacey 
James B. Gallup 
David Carter 
Horatio T. Carruth 
Joseph A. Maynard 
Stephen H. Hunt 
F. G. Maynard 
Adams J. Perry 



Ira Stearns 
Charles K. Stacey 
Horace S. Fisk 
Foster Shaw 
HoUoway Bartlett 
Hebron Hart 
Oliver Adams 
Alpheus Adams 
Charles Johnson 
Joseph Ball 
Henry Goodnow 
Elijah Ball 
Alvin Ball 
John Searle 
Lewis Fay 
J. T. Fay 
John B. Crawford 



Note. So far as is known there is only one copy of this circular in exist- 
ence. It is in glass and frame, and hangs in the vestibule of The Northborough 
Free Library. It was given to the Library by the late Cyrus Gale, one of 
the men who signed it. 

Unfortunately, the above circular bears no date. But Mr. 
Gale (who gave it to the library) told the writer that he once 
showed it to John Milton Earl, the editor of the Massachusetts 
Spy, and that Mr. Earl pronounced it "the first of the many 
petitions on the subject." The writer naturally took that state- 
ment at its face value; and being proud of the town's history and 
desirous of claiming for her all the honor that belongs to her, 
did not hesitate to announce Northborough's part in the forma- 
tion of the Free-soil Party. But wishing to have the fact corrobo- 
rated by one who was thoroughly conversant with the political 
history of the country, he wrote to Senator Hoar, acquainting 
him with the above-mentioned facts. His letter elicited from 
Senator Hoar the following reply: 

"Worcester, Mass. 
January 21, 1904. 
''Rev. Josiah C. Kent, 

Northboro, Mass. 
"My Dear Sir: 

"I cannot say what was done in Northboro. But if what 
you say be true, as I have no doubt it is, it does not seem to me 
to make 'Northboro the founder of the Free-soil or Republican 
Party.' All that seems to have been done was to send a petition 
to Mr. John Milton Earl, the editor of the Massachusetts Spy, 
which Mr. Pliny Earl — who was an unfortunate son of the editor, 
feeble in body, with an impediment in his speech, and unable 
to do any intellectual work except occasionally to pick up a 
little news when the other reporters were engaged, which did 
not require much activity or any great intelligence — told Mr. 
Gale was the first call for the formation of a new party. On 



208 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

the other hand the circular written at Concord and headed by 
my father, which I pubHshed in my book, was sent to every 
county in the Commonwealth and signed by the leading men in 
each county — such as Charles Francis Adams, Charles Sumner, 
and Stephen C. Phillips. They issued the call for that Con- 
vention and fixed the place and date. The call was read at the 
Convention, I have no doubt, as a warrant for a Town Meeting 
is read at the meeting. Mr. Hoar, who headed the call was 
made its Chairman. There is no propriety in saying that the 
editor of the Massachusetts Spy, with Judge Allen and some 
others, called the Convention, except that Judge Allen undoubt- 
edly signed this call with a great many others all over the state. 
I do not think that Mr. John Milton Earl signed it. He went 
very reluctantly into the movement and held back until after 
Judge Allen made his famous speech in the City Hall, in which, 
turning to Earl who was in the meeting, he said, 'The editor of the 
Spy knows I don't want to hurt his paper. But we must have 
an organ.' It was not until weeks after the call for the Worcester 
Convention that John Milton Earl joined the movement. 
"I have the honor to be, 

"Faithfully yours, 

"Geo. F. Hoar." 

The above letter speaks for itself; and the facts are doubtless 
as Senator Hoar relates them, for he was well versed in the 
political history of that period. But the fact remains, however, 
that one hundred and sixty-eight voters of the town of North- 
borough signed their names to the above-mentioned petition 
some time between June 7 (the date of the Whig Convention) 
and June 28 (the date of the Worcester Conference). And 
it shows that the men of Northborough were keenly alive to the 
necessity of having a political party that should stand squarely 
and firmly against the national sin of slavery that was threaten- 
ing the life of the nation. It is a matter of small consequence, 
at this late date, whether Concord (as Senator Hoar believed) 
or Northborough (as some of our citizens believe) was the first 
to propose such a party. The important thing is that the peti- 
tions of Northborough and Concord, and of other towns resulted 
in a Conference at Worcester on June 28, 1848, at which the 
cowardice of the Democratic and Whig Conventions was hotly 
denounced, and the formation of a new party urged; and that this 
Worcester Conference eventuated in a National Convention at 
Buffalo on August 9, when the new "Free-soil," which later 
developed into the great "Republican" Party, was born. In 
either case, Northborough is justly proud of the part she per- 
formed in the matter. 



CHAPTER XXI 

NORTHBOROUGH IN THE CIVIL WAR 

The Whigs triumphed in the election of 1848, and their 
triumph brought on a crisis in the question of the extension of 
slavery. The people of the North and the people of the South 
were thoroughly aroused. The smouldering embers at last burst 
into flames. And from the day that General Taylor was inaug- 
urated President of the United States (March 5, 1849) to the 
day that witnessed the inauguration of Abraham Lincoln (March 
4, 1861) excitement was kept at a white heat. 

There were giants in those days in our halls of legislation, 
and it is doubtful whether there has ever been in our country's 
history another period of such fierce and uncompromising debate. 
To name but a few of the incidents that came under discussion 
within those momentous years is to confirm the stability of our 
democratic form of government: Henry Clay's "Compromise of 
1850"; "The Fugitive Slave Law"; "The Kansas-Nebraska 
Law"; "The Struggle for Kansas"; "The Underground Rail- 
road"; "The Dred Scott Decision"; "John Brown's Raid into 
Virginia." Truly, if democracy can discuss such questions, 
and preserve itself, it can endure anything. Never was there a 
more determined group of men than those Southern statesmen 
who fought for a wrong ideal, except it be that group of Northern 
statesmen who opposed them with a right one. 

But on the main question, slavery, neither side won. It was 
to be a fight to a finish, a fight between right and wrong. When 
the Legislature of South Carolina assembled on November 6, 
1860, the Governor asked it to remain in session until after the 
presidential election; "for," said he, "if Lincoln be elected the 
secession of South Carolina will be necessary." Lincoln was 
elected, and on December 20, 1860, the legislature passed the 
following resolution: 

"We, the people of the State of South Carolina, in convention 
assembled, do declare and ordain . . . that the union now sub- 
sisting between South Carolina and other states, under the name 
of the United States of America, is hereby dissolved." 

This act of South Carolina was soon followed by Mississippi, 
Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas. And on 
February 7, 1861, delegates from these states met in convention 



210 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

at Montgomery, Alabama, and organized a new nation under 
the name, the "Confederate States of America." 

In the meantime, the first overt act of war had been com- 
mitted. On January 9, 1861, the merchant vessel. Star of the 
West, carrying provisions and reinforcements to Major Anderson 
at Fort Sumter, was fired upon when within two miles of her 
destination, and was forced to return to New York. 

That was the situation that confronted Abraham Lincoln 
on March 4, 1861, when he became President of the United 
States. And this is the way he met that situation. In his 
inaugural he said: 

"I consider the Union is unbroken, and to the extent of my 
ability I shall take care . . . that the laws of the Union be 
faithfully executed in all the states. 

"In doing this there need be no bloodshed or violence; and 
there shall be none, unless it be forced upon the national 
authority. 

"The power confided in me will be used to hold, occupy, and 
possess the property and places belonging to the Government 
and to collect the duties and imports." 

"There shall be no bloodshed or violence unless it be forced 
upon the national authority." But even such a man as Abraham 
Lincoln was powerless to prevent it, for on April 12, 1861, the 
Confederates fired their first gun at Fort Sumter, and four years 
Civil War had begun. No one was killed in this bombardment, 
but one of its consequences was the issuance by President 
Lincoln of a call for seventy-five thousand volunteers who should 
serve for three months. These volunteers were apportioned among 
the several states. Those states that had joined the Confederacy, 
of course paid no attention to the call ; but in the other states the 
call was answered with enthusiasm, and within a few days 
thousands of soldiers were on their way to Washington. 

We are concerned here with Northborough's attitude in the 
matter. How did Northborough respond? In view of her 
attitude on previous occasions it is not to be supposed that she 
would fail in patriotism on this, the greatest of all occasions. 
Nor did she. President Lincoln issued his historic call on April 
15. On the following day Northborough posted a warrant 
calling a town meeting for April 17. Article II of that warrant 
reads as follows: "To see what measures the town will take to 
respond to the Proclamation of the President of the United 
States calling upon the loyal citizens to sustain the Federal 
Government, and also to see if the town will take any measures 
to raise volunteers for the militia, and appropriate money to 
defray expenses of volunteers, or act any way on the subject." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 211 

The meeting was held according to schedule. But "A state- 
ment being made that the meeting was not regularly called for 
a town meeting (the time of the notice not being sufficient), it 
was resolved to proceed with it as a citizens' meeting, and Cyrus 
Gale, Esq., was called to the chair, and J. B. Crawford appointed 
secretary." On motion of Rev. S. S. Ashley that a committee 
be appointed to draw up Resolutions, the following gentlemen 
were appointed for that purpose: 

Rev. S. S. Ashley, Wilder Bush, 

Rev. Joseph Allen, D. D., Samuel Clark, 

George C. Davis. 
The committee withdrew, and after a while, presented the 
following : 

RESOLUTIONS 

"Whereas, Seven of the Southern states of this Union are now 
in armed rebellion against the Constitutional Government of 
the United States, and are so pushing forward their schemes of 
treason and war that the safety and integrity of the Republic 
are imperiled, and 

''Whereas, The President of the United States has called on 
the several states for aid in defense of our rights and for the pro- 
tection and recovery of public property unjustly seized or 
threatened, and 

'Whereas, It is the duty of all good citizens, forgetting all 
past differences, to rally and unite as one man in putting down 
rebellion and in support of lawful government, 

"Resolved, 1st. That we, the citizens of Northborough, do 
hereby pledge to liberty and our country, our property, our lives 
and our sacred honor, and will give our united and cordial support 
to the Government of these United States in the present alarming 
crisis of our national affairs; and that we will hold ourselves in 
readiness to contribute according to our means, to the defence 
of our common country against the dangers which now impend 
over us. 

"Resolved, 2nd. That we will encourage patriotic men to 
offer their services as volunteer soldiers for the Militia, and 
whenever they shall be called into service from this town it is 
incumbent on us to see that the families dependent on them for 
support are well provided for. 

"Resolved, 3rd. That we will make ample provisions for all 
expenses necessarily incurred in drilling, equipping and uni- 
forming volunteers from this town. 



212 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

''Resolved, 4th. That the invitation be extended to the other 
towns of the 15th Representative District (Shrewsbury and 
Boylston) to join this town for the purpose of raising and 
equipping one company of soldiers, and offer the same to the 
Commander-in-Chief of this Commonwealth. 

"Resolved, 5th. That we recommend to each and every 
Representative District in the state to raise in addition to any 
already raised, at least one company of volunteers for the 
State Militia. 

These Resolutions were adequately discussed, and the follow- 
ing votes passed : 

"1st. To choose a committee of three persons to carry into 
effect the 4th resolve. Chose George C. Davis, Anson Rice, 
and Samuel I. Rice. 

"2nd. That a committee be chosen to pay any monies called 
for in carrying out the 4th resolution. Chose George H. 
Williams, H. S. Fiske, and W. T. Bush. 

"3rd. That the Selectmen draw orders on the town treasurer 
for such sums as may be required. 

"4th. To accept and adopt the preamble and resolutions pre- 
sented by the committee to this meeting and that the town clerk 
be instructed to put the resolutions with the proceedings of 
this meeting on the town record. 

"5th. To send copies of these resolutions to the Boston and 
Worcester papers for publication." 

These proceedings display the temper of the people of North- 
borough in those excitable times. Northborough had never 
been, up to that time, nor has she been since, a laggard in the 
matter of patriotism. She has always been at the forefront. 

The meeting then adjourned for one week. At the adjourned 
meeting (April 24), it was voted "to pay the volunteers one 
dollar a day for drilling." It was also voted "that the Select- 
men be requested to call a town meeting as soon as may be, to 
make provision for the volunteers." 

It should be borne in mind that the two meetings already 
held were "citizen's meetings." But that they had the sanction 
of the town need not be stated. All future meetings referred to 
were regularly called town meetings. 

A meeting was held on May 4, which was devoted wholly to 
matters pertaining to the war. And in order that we might 
understand the patriotic spirit in which the town responded to 
the situation, we record the votes: 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 213 

"Art. II. Voted, to borrow $3000 for the use of the town. 

"Art. III. Voted, that a committee of five persons be ap- 
pointed by the Moderator to enroll volunteers." J. B. Parker, 
J. M. Crane, Nathaniel Randlett and R. W. Newton were 
appointed. 

"Art. IV. Voted, that the town authorize a committee to 
furnish suitable uniforms and equipments for such volunteers 
from this town as may be enrolled, organized and accepted 
for service in connection with the town of Shrewsbury and 
Boylston. 

"Voted, that the Selectmen be authorized to pay for the uni- 
forms and equipment of the members of the Clinton Guards 
belonging to this town. 

"Art. V. Voted, that the town pay said volunteers one dollar 
per day for twelve day's elementary drill, after said company 
shall have been organized and accepted as State Militia. 

"Voted, to pay each volunteer from this town one dollar per 
day during the time they are in actual service of the Government. 

"Voted, to pay members of the Clinton Guards belonging 
to this town, one dollar when called out in full company for drill. 

"Art. VI. Voted, that the Selectmen appoint a committee 
of three persons to confer with the towns of Shrewsbury and 
Boylston with regard to furnishing uniforms and equipment for 
the volunteer company to be raised in the three towns, the 
committee to have the power to procure uniforms and equip- 
ments for the members belonging to this town. 

"Voted, that W. T. Bush, George H. Williams, and Horace 
S. Fiske be a committee to pay the volunteers for all necessary 
expenses in performing military duties." 

On July 4, another meeting was held. We record the votes 
passed at this meeting because they show the solicitude of the 
town for the soldiers and the soldiers' families: 

"Art. II. Voted, that the town allow to the families and 
relations of the volunteer soldiers from this town as follows: 
To the wife, ten dollars per month. To the wife and one child 
(under sixteen years of age) sixteen dollars per month; and two 
dollars per month for each additional child; but in no case shall 
the sum paid by the town exceed the sum of twenty dollars per 
month to any one family. And to each parent, brother or sister 
of such volunteers who, at the time of his enlistment were de- 
pendent upon him for support, the sum of six dollars per month; 
and in case of sickness in the families of the volunteers it shall 
be the duty of the town through some authorized agent or agents, 



214 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

to do all that may be necessary for the families in addition to 
what is above mentioned, so that they may have an honorable 
support." 

It was then voted that such payments be made monthly and 

that the selectmen be a committee to carry the vote into effect. 

"Voted, that the town treasurer be authorized to pay to 

each of the volunteers belonging to this town the sum of ten 

dollars for pocket money upon being called into service." 

"Art. IV. Voted, to erect a liberty pole at the expense of 
the town; and that Anson Rice, Nathaniel Randlett,and William 
Ware be a committee to erect the liberty pole." 

This vote was later reconsidered and the following vote 
substituted, "that the committee receive subscriptions for the 
purpose of erecting the liberty pole." 

In the meantime local patriotism was at a white heat, and 
the boys were volunteering their services. There was in exist- 
ence, when the war broke out, a military organization in Clinton, 
known as the "Clinton Guards." The following sixteen boys 
from Northborough were members of that organization: 
Lieut. James N. Johnson 
Sergt. Joseph P. Johnson Corp. Horace L. Peverly 

Sergt. Walter Gale Corp. Charles L. Shaw 

Wagoner Thomas G. Mahan Alfred Smith 

Thomas Breach Charles E. Smith 

Samuel Hodgkins Charles A. Trowbridge 

Henry Kenney Charles E. Warren 

John P. Larkin Thomas N. Woodward 

Waldo B. Maynard 
This organization was mustered into the State Militia as a 
body, and became Company C, of the 15th Regiment. 

The above-mentioned boys were the first of the Northborough 
boys to enter the service, with one exception. That exception 
was David H. Ball, who was a member of a Worcester Company 
which was attached to the famous 6th Massachusetts Regiment. 
It will be remembered that while that regiment was marching 
through Baltimore on the 19th of April it was attacked by a mob 
of Southern sympathizers and several of its soldiers were slain. 
This was the first bloodshed of the war; and took place only 
four days after President Lincoln's call for volunteers. It is a 
matter of interest that Northborough was represented at this 
first conflict of the war.* 

*It will be noticed in the list of soldiers which follows, that David H. Ball was mustered 
in April 22, 1861. The Baltimore Riot occurred April 19. There is no discrepancy in these 
dates. The 6th Massachusetts Regiment was not mustered into service until after it reached 
Washington — April 22 — three days after the Baltimore Riot. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 215 

The votes cited above, show the spirit with which the town 
entered the war. This spirit was maintained throughout the 
entire period of the war. There are many other votes on the 
town record showing the tender soHcitude of the town for the 
soldiers who had entered the service of their country, and for 
the famihes of those soldiers who remained at home. It was 
the evident determination of the town that neither the soldiers 
nor their families should suffer unnecessarily. Material needs 
were supplied willingly and generously. 

NORTHBOROUGH'S FIRST SACRIFICE 

The town record, under date of November 4, 1862, contains 
the following pathetic item: "Voted, that the Selectmen be 
authorized to pay the expense of bringing home the body of 
Warren Eames." 

War always presents two pictures. When the "call to arms" 
is sounded, and the boys, in their eagerness to serve their country, 
are laying aside their vocations and are hastening to the recruit- 
ing stations that they might be the first to represent their town 
on the firing line; and later, having enlisted, they march gallantly 
and hopefully away to the scene of action amid the proud and 
enthusiastic plaudits of their fellow- townsmen, hopeful of 
returning, but always with the uncertainty as to whether they 
will or not; that is one picture, and a glorious one. The young 
soldier is ever optimistic. The possibility of failure never enters 
his head. The cause in which he is enlisted is just, and he will 
see that it is vindicated, and vindicated speedily. The doubt, 
the uncertainty, the fear of failure, the tears, the pulling on the 
heart-strings, the mental anguish are not for him, but for the 
loved ones whom he leaves behind. But those loved ones are 
patriotic and are willing to make any sacrifice, to the end that 
the honor of their beloved country might remain untarnished. 
All this makes a glorious picture which the earliest days of war 
enact in every community. 

But, there is another, and a very different picture which 
sooner or later presents itself. When the opposing armies meet 
upon some field of battle, and the sabres clash and the cannons 
roar, and the clearing of the smoke of battle discloses that 
field strewn with the dead and the dying; and we at home scan 
the newspapers with fear and trembling lest we read the name 
of our beloved boy among the casualties — that, too, is a picture 
which war enacts in every community. 

Nor was such a picture withheld from the gaze of North- 
borough. 



216 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

On August 31, 1861, Warren F. Eames was mustered into 
the military service of his country. In the short space of two 
months he had made the supreme sacrifice, and his body was 
lying in an unknown grave beneath the sunny skies of the 
Southland. Then it was that his native town of Northborough 
began to realize the terrible cost of war. He was mortally 
wounded in the blundering battle of Ball's Bluff, October 21, 
and died two weeks afterwards. 

Young Eames was a mere boy, nineteen years of age; and 
the report of his death made a deep impression upon his native 
town. The following letter, the last but one he ever wrote, was 
received by his father about six weeks before the battle. We 
append it in full because it shows his enthusiastic impatience to 
get into the fight, the false rumors that were being circulated 
among the troops, the inconveniences to which he was subjected, 
his uncomplaining spirit, and his confident belief that he, with 
his comrades "could knock all the rebels into Kingdom Come," 
if the authorities would only give the order to advance. (This 
letter but voices the spirit of all the other boys in the early days 
of the War) : 

"Camp Benton, Poolsville, Sept. 9, 1861. 
"Dear Father: 

"I was much gratified last night to receive 3 more papers. 
I have not however, heard anything from you by letter since I 
wrote before. 

"We have not crossed the river yet. I don't know when we 
shall. I don't see what need there is of staying here on this side 
any longer. I don't think there are rebels enough near here to 
hurt us with the force we can send over. They act rather 
curious. I think there are none to be seen except the pickets; 
only once in awhile they will come up with a battery and give 
us a few shells, and then retire. I think we could knock the 
whole of them into Kingdom Come, if they would only let us 
cross and go at them. 

"But they say General McClellan is coming out here soon, and 
that we shall then cross for a grand battle. One thing is certain, 
that troops have been sent in here in good numbers within a few 
days. Charlie Warren* and T. Woodward were down here on 
Sunday and said the land was covered with troops all around 
there. We do not see the troops as we are the most advanced 
of any. 

♦Thomas N. Woodward, Jr., was taken prisoner at the BatUe of Ball's Bluff, and died 
at Richmond, November 25, 1861. Charles E. Warren was wounded at Antietam, September 
17, 1862 and died October 2, 1862. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 217 

"The other night we saw several signals (they telegraph to 
Washington by signals) ; and in a few minutes a horseman came 
galloping into camp, and we soon had orders to fill all our 
canteens and get everything ready to march, with nothing but 
our rifles and ammunition. The officers' horses were all saddled, 
and we were all ready; but for some reason or other we did not go. 

"The next day, they said we were to cross the river that 
night with 16 other regiments; but we did not go then, either. 
However, we were roused up and 4 of our companies sent to 
the ferry, as they expected an attack from rebel cavalry. So we 
went down at 10 o'clock and stood around awhile, and then 
went into a forsaken old store and lay down anywhere we could. 

1 lay, a part of the time, on a counter; and a part I got on a 
dry goods shelf. Lucky I was, as many had to lie on the dirty 
floor. That was the first building I had been in since I left 
Washington. 

"We have reports here that Sumter and all forts in that 
vicinity have been retaken, Lexing bombed,* driven back, 
Texas back in the Union, and all married men going home in a 
few days. Nobody knows whether there is any truth in any 
of them or not. Three or four of our Lieutenants and Captains 
have gone home on furlough, and sent in their resignations. 
Don't know whether they have been or will be accepted. 

"All the regiments here are quite discontented because they 
are not sent across the river. I hope they will either kill 
or cure us by trying the experiment. 

"The company I am in, D, is the left flank company, the 
second post of honor, and the hardest time. The right and left 
flanks are the skirmishers. We have just placed 25 cannon and 

2 howitzers right on the bank of the river. 

"I must close now. Will write again soon. Respects to all. 

"Warren F. Eames." 

Six weeks after this letter was written the young soldier 
received his baptism of war. The battle of Ball's Bluff was 
fought October 21, 1861, and, like its predecessor. Bull Run, 
only a few weeks before, was a signal defeat of the Federal 
Forces. Both battles were blunders, having been forced by 
public opinion at a time when our troops were not ready to give 
battle, and many young lives were needlessly sacrificed. News 
of both these battles sent a thrill of horror throughout the 
North; and survivors of the 15th and 20th Massachusetts Regi- 
ments even today, shiver when those battles are mentioned. 

♦One word here cannot be deciphered. 



218 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Warren F. Eames was mortally wounded at the battle of 
Ball's Bluff. One side of his jaw was severely injured ; so much so, 
that it became necessary to remove it by an operation. He 
survived the operation about two weeks (the exact date of his 
death is not known), and was buried (without a coffin) at 
Leesburg, Va., a few miles northwest of Washington, and about 
three miles south of the Potomac River. 

In the news columns of the daily papers he was reported as 
"missing." His father, Columbus Eames, immediately started 
South in search of him. The reader who has read Oliver Wendell 
Holmes's story, "My Search for a Captain," will understand 
the nature of the anxious father's search. He did not find his 
son, nor did he obtain any clue as to his whereabouts. Some 
months afterwards (May, 1862), he addressed a letter to the 
postmaster at Leesburg in the hope that it might bring results. 
It happened that the postmaster was acquainted with two 
women who lived on the outskirts of the town, whose sympathies 
he knew to be with the Union cause. He turned the letter over 
to one of them; and, sure enough, she proved to be the good 
angel who had ministered to the missing soldier in his distress. 

Miss Susan Luckett (for that was the name of the good 
woman) immediately replied to Mr. Eames' letter, giving him 
such information as she had. In addition to the information 
noted above, she states that after the battle of the 21st of 
October the wounded Federal soldiers were taken to the "Eagle 
Hotel Hospital" where they were cared for. 

"We visited him daily and contributed in various ways to his 
comfort. You may be assured he did not suffer for anything. . . . 
Poor fellow, he often tried to talk to us but could not . . . your 
son was a stranger in a strange land and our hearts yearned in 
sympathy over him . . . if he had recovered he would have been 
much disfigured . . . his nose, forehead, eyes and one cheek had 
sustained no injury ... he always looked bright and cheerful 
and did not seem to suffer one moment's pain ... a day or 
two before his death he looked much better, and when I went 
into his room (never shall I forget his bright cheerful look) he 
seemed so glad to see me, and still tried to talk. ... I trust 
that this letter may relieve your mind of all anxiety that you 
may have felt with regard to your son's comfort, etc., etc." 

The receipt of this letter naturally afforded the parents 
much comfort; and Mr. Eames immediately went South again, 
located the body of his son, brought it home, where it was 
accorded a public funeral at the Evangelical Congregational 
Church. The exact date of the funeral is not known — but it 
was within two or three days after June 6, 1862. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 219 

Warren F. Eames, son of Columbus and Maria F. (Rice) 
Eames, was born in Northborough in 1843. 

Was mortally wounded at the Battle of Ball's Bluff, October 
21, 1861, and died about two weeks afterwards. 

Order of exercises at the funeral of Warren F. Eames, of 
Northborough who was mortally wounded at the Battle of 
Ball's Bluff: 

1. Anthem: "Deep be Thy Sleep." 

I 

Deep be thy sleep, 
Rest thee within thy grave. 

Thou lovely form, whose breath 

From cold, relentless death. 
No bloom of youth could save. 

Deep be thy sleep 
In peace, within thy grave. 

II 

Deep be thy sleep, — 
How brief thy fleeting day! 

The morning's rosy light 

To shades of silent night 
Too soon hath passed away: 

Deep be thy sleep 
How brief thy fleeting day! 

Ill 

Deep be thy sleep, — 
Thy spirit goes before; 

Through bitter, falling tears, 

Our faith the message bears, 
"Ye shall all meet once more:" 

Deep be thy sleep, — 
Thy spirit goes before. 

2. Reading the Scriptures and Fraye: By Rev. S. Ripley. 

3. Singing. 

I 
Gone to his grave through pain, 

A soldier young and brave; 
His battles o'er, his wounds are healed; 
From earthly wars in sweet release, 

His eyelids bravely closed ; 
From earthly wars in sweet release, 

His eyelids bravely closed, bravely closed. 



220 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

II 
Gone to his peaceful rest; 

For him we need not weep, 
Since he is now among the brave, 
No more by pain or sorrow pressed. 

But hushed in glory's sleep; 
No more by pain or sorrow pressed. 

But hushed in glory's sleep, glory's sleep. 

Ill 

Gone to his grave; and while 

His absence we deplore, 
One thought our sorrow shall beguile — 
He for his country bled and died. 

But now can die no more; 
He for his country bled and died, 

But now can die no more, die no more. 

4. Addresses: By Rev. Dr. Allen, Rev. T. B. Forbush, Rev. S. S. 

Ashley. 

5. Prayer. 

6. Dirge by the Band. 

7. Benediction. 

A DOUBLE FUNERAL 

Another event that brought home to the people of North- 
borough the terrible cost of war was a double funeral that took 
place on the 30th day of October, 1862. Waldo B. Maynard 
and Charles E. Warren, both members of Co. C. 15th Regiment, 
were mortally wounded at the frightful battle of Antietam, 
September 17, 1862. Maynard died September 24, and Warren, 
October 2. Their bodies were brought home at the expense of 
the town and buried on the same day from the Unitarian Church. 
It was an impressive service and made a deep impression on those 
who witnessed it. These boys were schoolmates; their fathers 
before them were schoolmates; they enlisted at the same time, 
were wounded in the same battle, died only one week apart, 
their bodies were brought home together and were buried on 
the same day. Writing of Warren, a newspaper of the time 
says that he died at the "Hoffman Hospital, near Keedysville, 
Maryland. He was engaged in the great Battle of Antietam, 
and very soon after the opening of the fight on Wednesday morn- 
ing, received a wound in the upper third of the left thigh bone, 
which proved fatal. This was his eighth battle. He lay upon 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 221 

the battlefield, within the rebel lines, suffering and unattended, 
for forty-eight hours. After the retreat of the rebels he was 
removed by comrades of the Federal Army, to a comfortable, 
temporary hospital. At the expiration of two weeks, amputa- 
tion was performed, but he survived the operation only nine 
hours." 

Order of exercises at Northborough, Thursday, October 30, 
1862, at the funeral of Waldo B. Maynard and Charles E. 
Warren, who were mortally wounded at the Battle of Antietam 
Creek: 

1. Organ Voluntary. 

2. Anthem. 

3. Invocation: By Rev. Mr. Ripley. 

4. Reading of Scriptures: By Rev. S. S. Ashley. 

5. Hymn. 

6. Addresses: By Rev. Dr. Allen and Rev. Mr. Forbush. 

7. Hymn: "How sleep the brave who sink to rest, 

By all their country's wishes blest!" 

8. Prayer: By Rev. Mr. Forbush. 

9. Dirge. 

10. Benediction. 

ACTION OF THE TOWN ON LINCOLN'S DEATH 

The four years of Civil War ended in victory for the North, 
but in an irreparable loss to the whole country. Both North 
and South rejoiced that the long war was over; but in the midst 
of their rejoicings came the sad news of a great calamity — 
Abraham Lincoln was ruthlessly stricken down by the hand of 
a half-crazed assassin. The fearful news stunned the whole 
country; it could hardly be believed at first. But when the 
bitter truth of the report became a certainty the universal joy 
was changed into universal sorrow. 

Northborough had her part in that sorrow. On April 17» 
1865, in town meeting assembled, the following preamble and 
resolution were offered by Mr. Warren T. Bush and were quickly 
adopted by the town : 

"In view of the recent national calamity and bereavement 
which has befallen us, in the brutal assassination of the President 
of the United States, it seems proper that the day of his funeral 
should be suitably observed by the people of this place in their 
town capacity, by appropriate public demonstration under the 
direction and management of the town authorities. Therefore, 



222 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

'* Resolved: that the Selectmen of the town be, and are hereby 
requested to inaugurate, provide for, and carry into effect, such 
observance of the day as will be fit and proper for the solemn 
occasion." 

It was also "Voted, to add a committee of six citizens to the 
Board of Selectmen to carry out the foregoing Resolution. 
Chose, Stephen W. Norcross, Samuel I. Rice, Richard W. 
Newton, Abraham W. Seaver, Wilder Bush, George C. Davis." 

It was further "Voted, that the citizens be requested to close 
their places of business on the day of the funeral ceremonies." 

The selectmen of that year (1865) were: Samuel Clark, 
George G. Valentine, William A. Bartlett, 2nd, Warren E. 
Moore, William Burdett. 

In accordance with the above resolution the people of 
Northborough assembled in the Unitarian Church at the hour 
of Lincoln's funeral and did honor to the memory of the great 
President. 

THE SOLDIERS' MONUMENT 

How shall the town memorialize its war veterans? That 
was the question that Northborough, in common with most 
cities and towns throughout the country had to consider soon after 
the war was over. There seems to have been great paucity of 
ideas on that question; in fact, there was only one idea — a 
monument. As one travels over the country he is confronted 
at every turn with a granite shaft, a silent token of the gratitude 
and appreciation of the community for the patriotic "boys in 
blue" who served their country in her hour of stress and need. 
There is very little variety in these monuments and many of 
them are devoid of beauty. But the sentiment that prompted 
their erection is altogether beautiful. "In Grateful Remem- 
brance," might be inscribed on all of them. 

Northborough 's first idea of a memorial was tablets on the 
walls of the new town hall, which was then being built; and on 
March 18, 1867, it was "Voted that the committee on town hall 
be instructed to provide in the construction of the hall, suitable 
places for Memorial Tablets of our fallen soldiers in the late 
rebellion. On November 5 of the same year, "the subject of a 
Soldiers' Memorial was taken up by common consent and dis- 
cussed at some length; some preferring tablets to be placed in 
the town hall, others to build a monument. It was finally 
decided to leave the matter in the hands of a committee for 
consideration." 





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SOLDIERS' MONUiMENT, ERECTED 1869 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 223 

On April 6, 1868, it was "Voted to build a Soldiers' Monu- 
ment" ; and Columbus Eames, Asa B. Fay and L. L. Moore were 
chosen a committee to carry out the provisions of the vote. In 
a month's time the committee presented a design for a monu- 
ment, together with an estimate of its cost. The report was 
accepted, and the committee was authorized to expend not 
more than $3,000 for the purpose. 

The question of where the monument should be located 
gave rise to considerable discussion, which extended over three 
town meetings. That the selection of the present site was not 
unanimous is attested by the vote which stood forty-nine to 
thirty-six. Some other sites which were suggested were the 
middle of the Cemetery, Mt. Assabet, the Common, and the site 
of the Old Hay Scales. 

On March 8, 1870, the committee made the following written 
report: "Your committee chosen to build your soldiers' monu- 
ment having attended to the duty assigned them ask leave to 
make the following report: 

"After carefully examining into the quality of the different 
kinds of granite and the work done and skilful specimens shown 
us by different granite makers and contractors, your committee 
unanimously decided to and did contract with Messrs. Webber 
& Murch, of Groton Junction ; and we have the pleasure of saying 
to you that they did on all occasions, manifest a disposition to do 
their work in a satisfactory manner, and to the entire acceptance 
of your committee; and we believe they have built and set you 
up a monument which is a credit to them as workmen. 

"We regret, however, to say, that a series of circumstances 
have occurred beyond their or our own control, by which they 
have sustained a serious loss. They nevertheless finished their 
job from the base to the topmost stone strictly in accordance 
with their contract. 

"Your committee would also express their gratification that 
the town by its liberal appropriation and instructions has enabled 
them to build a monument which is a credit to the town, but 
which no more than redeems the pledge made to our soldiers at 
the time of their enlistment, that if their lives were sacrificed 
in the defence of the liberties of their country, there should be 
erected to their memory a monument that should last as long as 
the granite of their own New England Hills. 



224 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"The expenses of your monument are substantially as follows: 

Webber & Murch for monument, $2,527.50 

Webber & Murch extra letters, 387.00 

Expense paid out by committee, 189.70 

Timbers to raise monument, 18.18 

Expenses of building foundation, 184.67 

"Total expense of monument, extra letters and 

foundation, _ _ $3,307.05 

"Expense of grading, and per bills in hands of Select- 
men, 229.94 



$3,536.99 

"All which is respectfully submitted, 

"Columbus Eames "] 
Lorenzo L. Moore [ Committee." 
Asa B. Fay J 

A year later, four more names were inscribed on the monu- 
ment which cost $175, making the total cost, $3,711.99* 

The monument was dedicated September 17, 1870, which 
was the eighth anniversary of the battle of Antietam; in which 
battle five Northborough boys were killed. 

Order of exercises at the dedication of the Soldiers' Monu- 
ment, Northborough, September 17, 1870. 

1. Call to Order: By Geo. C. Davis, Esq., President of the Day. 

2. Music: By the Band. 

3. Prayer: By Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D. 

4. Music: By the Band. 

5. Song: "America," by the Audience. 

6. Formal Delivery of the Monument to the Town: By C. 

Eames, Chairman of Building Committee. 

7. Poem: By J. Lincoln. 

8. Music: By the Band. 

9. Address: By Hon. Geo. B. Loring. 

10. Music: By the Band. 

11. Benediction: By Rev. Horace Dutton. 



*If Columbus Eames, the chairman of the committee, had been less modest, he would 
have stated in this report that he himself designed the monument. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 225 

NORTHBOROUGH SOLDIERS IN THE CIVIL WAR 

This List Includes 154 Names 

1861-1865 

Aldrich, William M., age 18, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 
1862 to June 16, 1865. 

Allen, George W., age 22, Co. C, 24th Regt.; Sept. 7, 1861 to 
Sept. 6, 1864. 

Arley, Doctor, age 28, Co. K, 36th Regt.; Aug. 8, 1862. Dis- 
ability. No date. 

Ashton, Thomas, age 19, Co. G, 42nd Regt.; July 21, 1864 to 
Nov. 11, 1864. 

Austin, Caleb S., age 38, Co. B, 57th Regt.; Jan. 4, 1864 to 
May 24, 1865. 

Babcock, William B., age 41, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept 25, 1862 
to July 27, 1863. 

Bacon, Charles W., Musician, age 21, Co. C, 34th Regt.; 
July 31, 1862 to June 16, 1865. 

Bailev, S. Henry, Capt., age 27, 36th Regt.; Aug. 22, 1862. 
Killed May 12, 1864. 

Baird, James Herbert, age 20, Co. E, 5th Regt.; July 22, 
1864 to Nov. 16, 1864. 

Ball, David H., age 25, Co. B, 3rd Batt., 6th Regt.; Co. D, 
51st Regt.; April 22, 1861 to July 27, 1863. 

Ball, Lucius W., Musician, age 18, 23rd Regt.; Oct. 8, 1861 to 
Aug. 30, 1862. 

Bartlett, Frederick, age 40, Co. C, 25th Regt.; Sept 30, 
1861 to July 13, 1865. 

Beaman, William, Co. H, 3rd Batt., 15th U. S. Inf.; April 
8, 1865. Died of disease at Mobile, Ala., March 18, 1866. 

Bemis, Adelbert W., age 20, Co. B, 57th Regt.; Jan. 4, 
1864. Died at Anderson ville, Sept. 11, 1864. 

Bemis, Ezra C, Corp., age 38, Co. B, 57th Regt.; Jan. 4, 
1864 to July 30, 1865. 

Billings, Charles E., age 28, Co. A, 18th Regt.; Sept. 7, 1861 
to Sept. 19, 1862. Disability. 

Bonner, George C, age 18, Co. E, 4th Heavy Artillery; 
Aug. 17, 1864 to June 17, 1865. 

Bonner, James F., age 18, Co. E, 4th Heavy Art.; Aug. 12, 
1864 to June 17, 1865. 

Bonner, William, 1st U. S. Regt. 

Bowers, Francis A., age 18, Co. C, 25th Regt.; Oct. 9, 1861 
to Oct 13, 1863. Disability. 

Breach, John, age 28, Co. G, 38th Regt.; Aug. 20, 1862. 
Died May 11, 1863. 



226 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Breach, Thomas, age 31, Co. C, 15th Regt. ; Co. E, 20th Regt; 
Dec. 24, 1861 to July 27, 1865. 

Bremer, Henry C, age 21, Co. E, 5th Regt.; July 22, 1864 
to Nov. 16, 1864. 

Brigham, George G., age 27, Co. H, 29th Regt.; Dec. 9, 1861 
to Dec. 22, 1864. 

Brigham, James H., age 19, Co. P., 4th Heavy Art.; Aug. 15, 
1864 to June 17, 1865. 

Brine, John A., age 44, Co. C, 61st Regt.; Sept. 7, 1864 to 
June 4, 1865. 

Bucklin, Alonzo K., age 28, Co. C, 25th Regt., Sept. 30, 
1861 to Oct. 24, 1864. 

Burdett, Jerome W., Corp., age 19, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 
31, 1862 to June 16, 1865. 

Burdett, Thomas E., age 22, Co. D, 20th Regt.; Sept. 4, 

1861 to Sept. 14, 1864. 

Burke, John, age 25, Co. K, 13th Regt.; July 16, 1861. 
Deserted July 26, 1861. Co. F, 28th Regt.; Dec. 13, 1861. 
Killed Sept. 17, 1862. 

Carcagne, Frank, age 20, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 1862 to 
June 16, 1865. 

Carruth, Albert H., age 18, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 1862. 
Died April 19, 1865. 

Carruth, Joseph W., age 19, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 

1862 to July 27, 1863. 

Carter, Charles W., age 19, Musician, Co. A, 53rd Regt.; 
Oct. 30, 1862 to Sept. 2, 1863. 

Cashen, John, age 36, Co. E, 4th Heavy Art.; Aug. 16, 1864 
to June 17, 1865. 

Chapin, George P., age 32, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 1862 
to July 27, 1863. 

Cheever, George H., age 31, Co. B, 32nd Regt.; Nov. 4; 
1861 to Jan. 29, 1865. 

Clemence, William L., age 23, Co. B, 1st Batt., Heavy Art.; 
Oct. 16, 1862 to June 29, 1865. 

demons, Walter, age 18, unattached, 6th Regt.; May 4, 
1864 to Aug. 2, 1864. 

Coleman, Darius, 21, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 1862 to 
Dec. 27, 1862. Disabihty. 

Conant, Leonard W., age 21, Co. C, 25th Regt.; Oct. 9, 1861 
to Oct. 20, 1864. 

Craig, John W., 19, Co. C, 25th Regt.; Sept. 30, 1861 to 
March 12, 1863. Disability. 

Cunningham, John, age 32, Co. P, 17th Regt.; Sept. 3, 1864 
to June 30, 1865. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 227 

Cutler, Silas A., Musician, age 40, Co. E, 32nd Regt.; Dec. 
2, 1861 to March 3, 1863. Disability. 

Dandurand, Austin, age 22, Co. F, 21st Regt.; Co. K, 36th 
Regt.; Co. K, 56th Regt.; Aug. 19, 1861 to July 12, 1865. 

Davis, James, age 44, 11th Batt. Light Art.; Jan. 2, 1864 to 
Jan. 16th, 1865. 

Davis, Joseph A., Lieut., Co. K, 149th Regt.; N. Y. 

Davis, Thomas B., age 18, Co. H, 1st Cavalry Regt.; Sept. 
25, 1861. Died May 31, 1864. 

Day, Henry J., age 20, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 1862 to 
July 22, 1865. 

Duffee, John R., age 34, 4th Batt. Light Art.; Sept. 16, 1861 
to Oct. 14, 1865. 

Dudley, Joseph, age 18, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 1862. 
Died Sept. 4, 1864. 

Dunn, Michael, age 21, Co. C, 4th Heavy Art.; Aug. 15, 
1864 to June 17, 1865. 

Eames, Warren F., age 18, Co. D, 20th Regt.; Aug. 31, 

1861. Wounded, Oct. 21, 1861. Died two weeks later. 
Fairbanks, Alonzo P., age 20, Co. E, 5th Regt.; July 22, 

1864 to Nov. 16, 1864. 

Fairbanks, Joseph J., Sergt., age 19, Co. C, 34th Regt.; 
Aug. 4, 1862 to June 16, 1865. 

Farwell, Charles B., age 19, Co. D, 2nd Regt.; Co. D, 51st 
Regt.; May 25, 1861 to Sept. 13, 1861. Disability. Sept. 30, 
1862 to July 27, 1863. 

Fay, Asa B., 1st Lieut., age 23, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 

1862 to June 16, 1865. 

Fay, Leander, age 18, Co. G, 25th Regt.; Oct. 18, 1861. 
Died June 5, 1864. 

Felton, Charles A., age 27, Co. L, 2nd Heavy Art.; Dec. 22, 

1863 to Sept. 3, 1865. 

Fiske, George W., age 34, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 1862 
to July 27, 1863. 

Fitzpatrick, John, age 21, Co. E, 15th Regt.; Co. E, 20th 
Regt.; March 23, 1864 to June 28, 1865. 

Fletcher, Lorenzo, age 19, Co. G, 57th Regt.; March 10, 
1864. Died May 10, 1864. 

Forbes, John M., Sergt., age 22, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 

1862. Died Jan. 13, 1865. 

Fuller, Nathaniel A., age 18, Co. B, 3rd Heavy Art.; Aug. 14, 

1863. Deserted June 28, 1865. 

Gale, Walter, Major, age 27, 15th Regt.; July 12, 1861 to 
July 29, 1864. 

Gamache, Peter, age 24, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 1862. 
Transferred to V. R. C, March 8, 1865. 



228 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Gates, George H., age 28, Co. K, 13th Regt.; July 16, 1861 
to Aug. 1, 1864. 

Glazier, Asaph, age 29, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 1862 to 
March 3, 1863. Disability. 

Glazier, Joseph S., age 19, Co. E, 13th Regt.; July 16, 1861 
to Feb. 12, 1863. Disability. 

Gleason, Spencer W., age 24, Co. C, 9th Regt.; Co. C, 32nd 
Regt.; July 14, 1863 to May 25, 1865. 

Goulding, Henry C, age 34, Co. K, 57th Regt.; April 6, 
1864 to July 30, 1865. 

Green, Allen, age 21, Co. K, 61st Regt.; Feb. 7, 1865 to 
July 16, 1865. 

Green, Lorenzo B., age 25, Co. K, 25th Regt.; Sept. 16, 1861 
to Jan. 3, 1862. Disability. 

Hanley, Francis, age 27, Co. H, 15th Regt.; Jan. 27, 1862. 
Died July 5, 1862. 

Harrington, William E., 35, Co. C, 24th Regt.; Sept. 7, 1861 
to Sept. 6, 1864. 

Heath, Guilford, P., age 19, Co. D, 51st Regt.; Co. K, 57th 
Regt.; Sept. 30, 1862 to July 30, 1865. 

Hodgkins, Nathaniel, Sergt., age 18, Co. C, 34th Regt.; 
July 31, 1862. Died Sept. 27, 1864. 

Hodgkins, Samuel, age 19, Co. C, 15th Regt.; July 12, 1861 
to Dec. 6, 1863. 

Holman, Henry B., age 19, Co. C, 15th Regt.; July 12, 1861 
to Dec. 6, 1862. Disability. 

Johnson, James N., age 34, Co. C, 15th Regt.; unassigned, 
20th Regt.; March 31, 1862. Transferred to 20th Regt.; July 
27, 1864. 

Johnson, John F., Sergt., age 19, Co. C, 51st Regt.; Co. F, 
4th Hea\T Art.; Sept, 25, 1862 to June 17, 1865. 

Johnson, Joseph P., 1st Sergt., age 27, Co. C, 15th Regt.; 
July 12, 1861. Died Oct. 14, 1862. 

Johnson, Lewis, age 31, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 1862 to 
July 27, 1863. 

Johnson, William H., Corp., age 22, Co. C, 51st Regt.; Sept. 
25, 1862 to July 27, 1863. 

Kaighn, Charles T., age 31, Co. G, 11th R. L Regt.; Sept. 
22, 1862 to Dec. 24, 1862. 

Kingman, Lucius F., age 19, Co. A, 25th Regt. Sept. 18, 
1861. Died Sept. 24, 1862. 

Kinney, Henry, age 28, Co. C, 15th Regt.; July 12, 1861 to 
Oct. 10, 1862. Disability. 

Kirby, Thomas, age 18, Co. K, 26th Regt.; Sept. 14, 1861 
to Aug. 26, 1865. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 229 

Knight, George W., age 23, Co. G, 17th Regt.; Co. G,] 2nd 
Heavy Art; Sept. 2, 1864 to June 30, 1865. 

Larkin, John P., age 19, Co. C, 15th Regt.; Dec. 27, 1861. 
Killed Sept. 17, 1862. 

Leach, Frank T., age 26, Capt., 34th Regt.; Aug. 6, 1862 to 
June 16, 1865. 

Lewis, Charles H., age 31, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 13, 1862 
to July 16, 1865. 

Lincoln, John W., age 26, Prin. Musician, Co. C, 24th Regt.; 
Sept. 28, 1861 to Jan. 20, 1866. 

Lowell, Edward, age 18, Co. B, 57th Regt.; Jan 4, 1864 to 
July 30, 1865. 

Mahan, Thomas D., Wagoner, age 40, Co. C, 15th Regt.; 
July 12, 1861 to July 28, 1864. 

Maynard, Waldo, B., age 23, Co. C, 15th Regt.; July 12, 
1861. Died Sept. 24, 1862. 

Mayo, Charles L., Musician, age 16, Co. F, 20th Regt.; 
Feb. 25, 1862 to July 16, 1865. 

Mentzer, Cyrus H., age 18, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 1862 
to July 27, 1863. 

Mentzer, George, age 23, Co. C, 24th Regt.; Sept. 25, 1861 
to Sept. 28, 1864. 

Merriam, George F., age 20, Co. C, 25th Regt.; Oct. 1, 1861. 
Killed June 3, 1864. 

Miles, Samuel J., age 29, Musician, Co. E, 21st Regt.; July 
19, 1861 to Sept. 14, 1861. DisabiHty. 

Minot, Justin, age 18, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 1862 to 
June 16, 1865. 

Montague, Daniel , enlisted first from Boston, and later from 
Northborough under an assumed name. 

Moore, John H., age 35, 1st Regt., Cavalry Band; Jan. 6, 
1862 to April 24, 1862. Disabihty. 

Muzzy, Charles C, age 23, Sergt., Co. F, 21st Regt.; Aug. 
19, 1861 to Sept. 24, 1864. 

Nelson, John, age 26, Co. I, 61st Regt.; Jan. 26, 1865 to 
July 16, 1865. 

Nolan, Daniel, age 44, Co. E, 4th Heavy Art.; Aug. 12, 1864 
to June 17, 1865. 

Norcross, Thomas A., Sergt., age 26, Co. C, 25th Regt.; 
Oct. 1, 1861 to June 3, 1863. Disability. 

Overton, Richard, age 27, U. S. 6th Art. Colored Troops; 
Oct. 7, 1864. 

Palmer, John T., Corp., age 18, Co. B, 57th Regt.; Jan. 4, 
1864 to July 30, 1865. 



230 NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 

Peverly, Horace L., Corp., age 23, Co. C, 15th Regt.; July 
12, 1861 to Feb. 18, 1863. Disability. 

Pierce, Edwin W., age 19, Co. D, 15th Regt.; Co. C, 34th 
Regt.; July 12, 1861 to Oct. 9, 1863. Disability, Jan. 5, 1864. 
Died Dec. 26, 1864. 

Proctor, Joseph H., age 19, Co. D, 20th Regt.; Aug. 11, 1862. 
Died Dec. 13, 1862. 

Proctor, Josiah, age 21, Co. D, 20th Regt.; Aug. 29, 1861 to 
Aug. 29, 1864. 

Prouty, George A., Corp., age 23, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 
31, 1862. Died June 17, 1864. 

Randlett, Nathaniel, age 37, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 
1862 to July 27, 1863. 

Rice, Moses P., age 22, Co. I, 13th Regt.; July 16, 1861 to 
July 3, 1862. Disability. 

Rice, Walter C, age 45, Co. I, 53rd Regt.; Oct. 8, 1862 to 
Sept. 2, 1863. 

Rich, William A., age 37, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 1862 
to July 27, 1863. 

Richardson, Edward P., Musician, age 24, Band, 13th Regt.; 
July 26, 1861 to Aug. 31, 1862. 

Richardson, Gustavus, age 18, Co. K, 57th Regt.; April 6, 
1864. Died July 25, 1864. 

Robbins, Arthur W., age 18, Co. E, 4th Heavy Art.; Aug. 26, 
1864 to June 17, 1865. 

Russell, Henry, age 18, Co. K, Uth Regt.; Feb. 15, 1864 to 
July 14, 1865. 

Sanford, William F., Corp., age 18, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 
31, 1862 to June 16, 1865. 

Sargent, Henry, age 28, Co. K, 57th Regt.; April 6, 1864 
to June 21, 1865. 

Seymour, Lewis, age 28, Co. G, 34th Regt.; Aug. 5, 1862 to 
April 25, 1863. Disability. 

Shaw, Charles L., Corp., age 28, Co. C, 15th Regt.; Co. E, 
20th Regt.; July 12, 1861. Died Dec. 19, 1864. 

Smith, Alfred, age 27, Co. C, 15th Regt.; Co. E, 20th Regt.; 
Feb. 19, 1864 to July 16, 1865. 

Smith, Charles E., age 25, Co. C, 15th Regt.; July 12, 1861 
to Dec. 13, 1861. 

Stacy, Albert H., age 36, Co. K, 16th Regt.; Aug. 16, 1861. 
Killed Aug. 27, 1862. 

Stearns, John M., age 27, Co. H, 20th Regt.; July 31, 1861 
to Nov. 21, 1862. Disability. 

Steen, John, age 25, Co. E, 4th Heavy Art.; Aug. 12, 1864 
to June 17, 1865. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 231 

Stone, James L., age 23, Co. F, 13th Regt.; July 16, 1861 to 
Nov. 10, 1862. Disability. 

Stone, Joseph H., age 33, Co. A, 1st Batt. Heavy Art.; Feb. 
25, 1862 to Feb. 27, 1865. 

Stone, Lyman, age 19, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept. 25, 1862 to 
July 27, 1863. 

Sullivan, James H., age 18, Co. K, 21st Regt.; July 19, 
1861. Killed March 14, 1862. 

Taylor, Robert, age 33, Co. H, 31st Regt.; Oct. 27, 1864 to 
Sept. 9, 1865. 

Towle, Perry W., age 18, Co. C, 34th Regt.; July 31, 1862. 
Died July 13, 1863. 

Trowbridge, Charles A., Sergt., age 34, Co. C, 15th Regt.; 
Co. G, 57th Regt. ; July 12, 1861 to October 28, 1862. Disability. 
March 10, 1864 to June 19, 1865. 

Twitchell, Frederick L., age 30, Co. A, 51st Regt.; Sept 25, 
1862 to July 27, 1863. 

Valentine, Walter, age 22, Co. F, 45th Regt.; 14th Batt. 
Light Art.; Oct. 28, 1862 to July 7, 1863. Feb. 27, 1864 to 
June 15, 1865. 

Warren, Charles E., age 18, Co. C, 15th Regt.; July 12, 1861. 
Died Oct. 2, 1862. 

Warren, William H., Co. G, 42nd Regt.; July 6, 1864 to 
Oct. 16, 1864. 

Watterson, James, age 18, 3rd Batt. Light Art.; 5th Batt. 
Light Art.; Jan. 28, 1864 to June 12, 1865. 

Watterson, William, age 32, 3rd Batt. Light Art.; 5th 
Batt. Light Art.; Jan. 28, 1864 to June 12, 1865. 

Wetherbee, Emory G., Musician, age 15, Co. K, 21st Regt.; 
July 19, 1861 to Dec. 24, 1862. Disability. 

Whitcomb, Levi, age 18, Co. D, 20th Regt.; Aug. 29, 1861 
to March 25, 1865. 

Williams, Warren W., age 21, Co. K, 13th Regt.; July 16, 

1861 to Jan. 9, 1863. Disability. 

Wood, Albert, age 28, Surgeon, 29th Regt.; 1st Cavalry 
Regt.; July 31, 1862. Resigned Nov. 1, 1864. 

Wood, Henry Fox, age 26, Co. C, 1st Regt.; Cavalry; Sept. 
23, 1861 to Oct 3, 1864. 

Wyman, Benjamin F., age 23, Co. E, 5th Regt.; Sept. 16, 

1862 to July 2, 1863. 

Wyman, Jolin C, Capt., age 39, 33rd Regt.; 3rd Cavalry; 
July 24, 1862 to May 15, 1865. 

Yeaw, Jesse L., age 19, Musician, Co. A, 25th Regt.; Oct. 
15, 1861 to Aug. 8, 1862. Disability. 



232 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Yeaw, Welcome P. M., Musician, age 45, Co. B, 32nd Regt,; 
Nov. 20, 1861 to June 5, 1862. Disability. 

Yeaw, Daniel, Corp., age 25, Co. D, 3rd R. I. Heavy Art.; 
Aug. 30, 1861 to Aug. 8, 1865. 

LOSSES IN THE WAR 
Losses are Arranged in Chronological Order 

Warren, F. Eames, Co. D, 20th Regt.; wounded at Ball's 
Bluff, Va., Oct. 21, 1861. Died two weeks later. 

Thomas N. Woodward, Jr., Co. C, 15th Regt.; taken prisoner 
at Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861; died at Richmond, Va., Nov. 25, 
1861. 

James H. Sullivan, Co. K, 15th Regt.; killed at Newbern, 
N. C, March 14, 1862. 

Francis Hanley, Co. H., 15th Regt.; died July 5, 1862. 

Albert H. Stacy, Co. K, 16th Regt.; accidentally killed at 
Warrenton June, Va., Aug. 27, 1862. 

John Burke, Co. F, 28th Regt.; killed at Antietam, Md., 
Sept. 17, 1862. 

John P. Larkin, Co. C, 15th Regt.; killed at Antietam, Md., 
Sept. 17, 1862. 

Lucius F. Kingman, Co. A, 25th Regt.; died at Newbern, 
N. C, Sept. 24, 1862. 

Waldo B. Maynard, Co. C, 15th Regt.; wounded at Antietam, 
Md., Sept. 17; died Sept. 24, 1862. 

Charles E. Warren, Co. C, 15th Regt.; wounded at Antietam. 
Md., Sept. 17, died Oct. 2, 1862, at Hoffman Hospital, near 
Keedysville, Md. 

First Sergt. Joseph P. Johnson, Co. C, 15th Regt. ; wounded at 
Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, died Oct. 14, 1862. 

Joseph H. Proctor, Co. D, 20th Regt.; slightly wounded at 
Antietam, Md., Sept. 17, 1862. Killed at Fredericksburg, Va., 
Dec. 13, 1862. 

John Breach, Co. G, 38th Regt.; died May 11, 1863. 

Perry W. Towle, Co. C, 34th Regt.; died at Washington, 
July 16, 1863. 

Adelbert W. Bemis, Co. B, 57th Regt.; died at Andersonville 
Prison, Ga., Sept. 11, 1864. 

Lorenzo Fletcher, Co. G, 57th Regt.; died at Washington, 
May 10, 1864. 

Capt. S. Henry Bailey, 36th Regt.; killed at Spottsylvania, 
Va., May 12, 1864. 

Thomas B. Davis, Co. H, 1st Cavalry; died at Andersonville 
Prison, Ga., May 31, 1864. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 233 

George F. Merriam, Co. C, 25th Regt.; killed at Cold Harbor, 
Va., June 3, 1864. 

Leander Fay, Co. G, 25th Regt.; wounded at Cold Harbor, 
Va., June 3, died June 5, 1864. 

Corp. George A. Prouty, Co. C, 34th Regt.; wounded June 
5; died June 17, 1864 at Harrisburg, Pa. 

Gustavus Richardson, Co. K, 57th Regt. ; died at Philadelphia, 
Pa., July 25, 1864. 

Joseph Dudley, Co. C, 34th Regt.; wounded March 31. 
Died at Pt. Rocks, Va., Sept. 4, 1864. 

Sergt. Nathaniel Hodgkins, Co. C, 34th Regt.; died of 
wounds, Sept. 27, 1864. 

Charles L. Shaw, Co. E, 20th Regt.; died at Andersonville 
Prison, Ga., Dec. 19, 1864. 

Edwin W. Pierce, Co. C, 34th Regt.; wounded Oct. 13; 
died at Winchester, Va., Dec. 26, 1864. 

Sergt. John W. Forbes, Co. C, 34th Regt.; died a prisoner at 
Salisbury, N. C, Jan. 13, 1865. 

Albert H. Carruth, Co. C, 34th Regt.; died at Alexandria, 
Va., April 19, 1865. 

Lieut. Joseph A. Davis, Co. K, 149th New York Regt. 



CHAPTER XXII 

NORTHBOROUGH IN THE SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR 

The Spanish-American War was the shortest war in which 
our country has ever engaged. It was waged from April to 
July, 1898. And so far as our country was concerned, it was 
fought for purely humanitarian reasons. It is not true that the 
destruction of the United States gunboat "Maine" in Havana 
Harbor on the fifteenth of March caused the war — though 
that unfortunate event is sometimes said to have been the 
cause. Our great country never goes to war except for the 
furtherance of some great principle. 

The real cause of this war was Spain's ill-treatment of 
Cuba. Spain, for three hundred years, was a great colonizing 
country. But she never knew how to treat her colonies. She 
exploited them for her own selfish purposes, with never a thought 
for the rights of her subject peoples. It has been said of that 
country by a very brilliant woman of our acquaintance that 
"Spain has carried the Cross of Christ into every corner of the 
globe, and everywhere she has crucified humanity upon it." 
And that is the reason why, one after another, in course of time, 
she has been bereft of all her colonies. 

Her treatment of Cuba was no exception. That little island 
— the Pearl of the Antilles — was shamefully abused for three 
hundred years. The cries of those suffering people were wafted 
across the water and were heard by the United States; and 
the United States could do nothing to stop them, for it is a 
principle of international law that no nation must interfere with 
the domestic affairs of a sister nation. 

But so piercing did the cries of the Cubans become, and 
their agony so intense, that the United States at last felt obliged 
to interfere, and the Spanish-American War resulted. 

The war was of such short duration that not many soldiers 
were called into service. 

Northborough was represented in that war by the following 
men: 

Elmer Bertrand, Co, F, 6th U. S. V. 
Frank A. Bouvier, Co. E, 6th U. S. V. 

Fred W. Estabrook, Co. F, 6th U. S. V. ; enlisted May 25 ; 
mustered out January 21, 1899; served in Puerto Rico. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 235 

Chester W. Hunt, age 23; enlisted in Co. F, 6th Regt., 
U. S. V. at Framingham; thence to Camp Alger, Va.; thence to 
Charleston, S. C; thence to Puerto Rico on transport "Yale." 
Returned to Boston on hospital ship, "Bay State"; thence to 
Camp at Framingham where he was mustered out January 21, 
1899. 

JohnW.Kellette, age 23; enlisted in Co. F, 6th Regt., U.S.V., 
at Marlborough; thence to Camp Dewey at Framingham; 
thence to Dunn-Coring, Va.; detached from Co. F, to Clen- 
denning's "Rough Riders," a detachment made up of boys from 
the 6th Mass., 6th 111., and 8th Ohio regiments, to take care of, 
exercise, break and bridleise green horses to be used as officers' 
mounts, at Charleston, S. C; then to Puerto Rico (July 25) 
where he was reassigned to Co. F; campaigned in Puerto Rico 
until October 21, on which date the Spanish troops evacuated 
the island; contracted yellow fever at Ad Juntas which reduced 
his weight from 192 to 109 pounds; mustered out January 21, 
1899. 

Joseph J. Kellette, brother of above, served in the Marine 
Corps on the "Montgomery," previous to, during, and after the 
war; the "Montgomery" was a scout cruiser, which took part 
in Admiral Sampson's bombardment of San Juan, in which 
engagement Kellette was wounded in the right leg. 



CHAPTER XXIII 

CEMETERIES 
1. THE OLD BURIAL GROUND 

Unknown to most residents of the town is the old Burial 
Ground on the left-hand side of Brigham Street, two or three 
hundred feet from the Westborough road. Inquiry concerning 
it is occasionally made by an old resident, but the inquiry brings 
forth no satisfactory information. Its origin is shrouded in 
obscurity. The only definite information concerning it is ob- 
tained from one of the few gravestones which are still standing. 
This stone is dated 1733; which fact unquestionably places the 
origin of the Burial Ground back to within a few years of the 
incorporation of Westborough. (Westborough was incorporated 
in 1717). In a Committee's Report which follows, the state- 
ment is made that "it was originally laid out November 7, 1729." 
W^here the committee got this definite information does not 
appear; but considering the date of the gravestone above 
mentioned, it is probably correct. 

On November 10, 1845, the committee made the following 
report : 

"In the performance of their duty your committee could ob- 
tain but very little from records to afford any assistance. The 
most that they could learn is, that it was originally laid out 
November 7, 1729, that it was of a diamond form and contained 
about three acres; that the bounds were renewed November 8, 
1800, and that the wood was all cut off and sold in 1804. As 
the usual landmark is so liable to become obscure the committee 
thought it expedient to procure stone monuments for the several 
corners, which they have set firmly in the ground and left them 
between three and four feet above the surface. The ground has 
been surveyed by your committee, and the following is a descrip- 
tion of it: Commencing at the southwest corner of said Burying 
Ground at a stone monument on the north side of the road, and 
runs N. 13°, W. twenty- two rods and fourteen links by land 
of William E. Davis' heirs, toa stone monument; thence S. 77|°, 
E. twenty-three rods and twenty links by land of George C. 
Davis to a stone monument; thence S. 11°, E. twenty-one rods 
and thirteen links by land of said George C. Davis to a stone 
monument; thence N. 81', W. twenty-two rods and eighteen 
links by the road to the first-mentioned bounds, containing 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 237 

two acres and one hundred and forty rods. A plan of said 
ground is hereto annexed which the committee recommend 
should be transferred to the town books in connection with this 
report. 

"The present state of the ground is such as shows great dis- 
respect for our departed ancestors, and great neglect to a spot 
consecrated as a resting-place for the dead. While the moss- 
covered monuments remind us that nobody lives there, the brush 
and rubbish are such as would lead a stranger to think that 
nobody who has any claim to Christianity or civilization lives 
anywhere near. Public buildings, public grounds and places 
serve as an index to the character of the people, and a stranger 
can form a pretty correct opinion of their character from the 
general appearance of these things. 

"From these considerations your committee recommend that 
the ground be cleared of all underbrush, the trees properly 
trimmed, and such other improvements made as may be thought 
proper, so that a place thus consecrated may appear more in 
accordance with the general character of the town. 

"The committee in the discharge of their duty have been at 
the following expense, viz. : 

"Paid for monuments, ^^'^9. 

"Paid for transporting same from Westborough, .70 

$2.70 
"All which is respectfully submitted by your committee, 

"Gill Valentine 1 

H. T. Carruth Committee:' 
Samuel h isher 
Asaph Rice J 

This report was accepted, and presumably its recommen- 
dations were adopted, though there is no record of the fact. 

We have recently made a careful examination of the Burial 
Ground, and find it to be in the same condition that the com- 
mittee described in their report. We would like to renew the 
recommendations. Personally, we do not believe in burying 
our dead. Cremation is the only sanitary way of disposing of 
them. But as long as we continue the custom, we should see 
to it that our burial grounds are kept in good condition, for 
they are sacred acres, inasmuch as they contain all that was 
mortal of those whom once we loved, and whose memory we 
still cherish. 



238 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



We find that there are four slate gravestones all in a good 
state of preservation. We append the inscriptions: 



HERE LYES THE 


Here Lies Buried Y^ 


BODY OF M"^ 


Body of Aaron 


ADAM HOLLOWAY 


Wheeler Son of M"^ 
Joseph and M'^^ 


Deed JUNE Y^ 7 


Elisabeth Wheeler 


17 3 3 


Who Deed April Y« 


IN Y^ SO^h YEAR 


12th A.D. 1747 
Age 19 Years 


OF HIS AGE 


2 M & 5 D« 


Here Lies Buried 


Here Lies Buried 


Y^ Body of M'-s 


Y« Body of M"- 


Elisabeth Wheeler 


JOSEPH WHEELER 


Wife of M"" Joseph 
Wheeler Who 


Who Departed 


Deed Sept. Y^ 12 


This Life May 


A.D. 1748 


Y^ 20 A.D. 1747 


Age 61 Years 


Aged 56 Years 


5 M & 10 D^ 


2 M & 6 D^ 



We find also, five stones which have the appearance of being 
gravestones, but from which all lettering has been obliterated. 

We find also, what we think are evidences of twenty-five 
graves. There are no gravestones to these, but in many cases, 
the graves are covered with heavy stones. 

On September 11, 1846, it was again, "Voted to choose a 
committee of three to make the repairs on the Old Burial 
Ground," and Warren Fay, Rev. Joseph Allen and Asaph Rice 
were chosen for that purpose. But the records do not show that 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



239 



this committee ever made a report. So it is uncertain whether 
the matter was attended to. 

We append a diagram of the burial ground taken from the 
town records. 



Land of George C. Davis 




2. THE CHURCHYARD 

The burial ground at the rear of the Unitarian Church dates 
from 1750. An epidemic of "Throat Distemper" swept over 
the town during the winter of 1749-50 carrying off sixty children. 
They were the first to be buried in the new churchyard. 



3. THE CEMETERY 

The "new" cemetery on Howard street dates from 1837. It 
has been enlarged twice since that date. The beautiful iron 
gate at the main entrance was a gift to the town from Mrs. 
Cyrus Gale, Jr., and Mrs. Samuel Wood. 



240 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Mary Susan Andrews, aged 12 years, was the first person to 
be buried in the new cemetery, October 25, 1837. That is, the 
first to be buried directly from a home: there had already been 
several bodies removed from tombs in the churchyard and 
buried there. She was a daughter of Sally (Rice) Andrews. 

At the time of her death she was a student at a private 
school in the town hall, kept by William Seaver, with Charlotte 
Ann Ball as assistant. 

She, with several other children, went up into the tower of 
the Unitarian Church, took cold, died, and was buried just one 
week from that day. Her sudden death was a great shock to all 
the children, as indeed it was to the whole town. She was 
buried from the Unitarian Church, and her funeral was quite 
generally attended by the townspeople. The service began 
by the singing of the following hymn, which was composed for 
the occasion : 

Why are we assembled here? 

Why these sighs and sounds of woe? 
Bursting sighs the bosom fill, 

Silent tears unbidden flow. 

See! upon yon sable bier 

Susan's lovely form is laid; 
Radiant face and gentle mien 

All in death's cold garb arrayed. 

Parents, teachers, schoolmates, all, 

Take one sad, one last farewell, 
Take the kiss she left for you. 

E'er she went with God to dwell. 

From His garden here below, 

God selects his choicest flowers, 
Plucks them from their parent stem 

To adorn his heavenly bowers. 

Things too bright and fair for earth 

He collects and treasures there, 
In His day to bring them forth, 

With his jewels to appear. 



CHAPTER XXIV 

THE GASSETT FUND 

Ever since the Town Reports have been printed (between 
seventy and seventy-five years) there have appeared in those 
documents a statement from the 'Trustees of the Gassett Fund." 
Comparatively few of the inhabitants of the town know what 
that fund is, but many, doubtless, have wondered about it. 

It is a fund (originally $3000) designed, eventually, to relieve 
the town of Northborough of the burden of taxation. That 
happy event will not be consummated within the lifetime of 
anyone now living, but the generations to come after us will 
reap the benefits of Mr. Gassett's thoughtful beneficence. The 
contract, entered into by the town when it accepted the fund, 
is a very unusual and an exceedingly interesting document. 
And as it concerns all the inhabitants of the town it seems 
appropriate that it should have place in this history. The 
document is given in full, and is as follows: 

"To all persons whom it may concern, be it known the 
following Instrument executed in triplicate on this fifteenth 
day of July, A. D. 1831, by and between Henry Gassett of the 
City of Boston, in the County of Suffolk and Commonwealth 
of Massachusetts, Merchant, and the Inhabitants of North- 
borough, a municipal corporation within the County of Worcester, 
in said Commonwealth — one copy whereof is to be deposited 
with the said Gassett, one with the said Inhabitants, and one 
with the Congregational Society hereinafter mentioned. 

"Witnesseth, That whereas the Town of Northborough is the 
place where the said Henry was born and where he resided during 
the early part of his life, and also the place where his parents with 
many of his near and dear relatives lived and died, and where 
their remains are deposited — and whereas from these circum- 
stances, as well as from many other considerations he has 
attachments to that place, and a regard for its population, of 
which he is anxious to give a solid and lasting proof by placing 
in their hands a fund to be applied to the several purposes 
herein named, and designed eventually to relieve the said In- 
habitants and their Successors from the burden of taxation for 
town and parochial charges — and whereas, the said Inhabitants 
have agreed by their vote to accept the proposals of said Henry, 
and have appointed the committee hereafter named to carry 



242 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

into effect his benevolent designs; — Now, therefore, I, the said 
Henry Gassett, in consideration of the promises, do freely and 
voluntarily hereby bestow upon said Inhabitants of North- 
borough in their corporate and municipal character and their 
successors forever, the sum of Three Thousand Dollars to be 
held by them upon the several trusts and conditions and for the 
several purposes hereinafter mentioned. 

"1. It shall be put at interest by prudent investments and 
shall forever b"e known and called by the name of Gassett Fund. 

"2. The income or interest of said fund shall first be appro- 
priated to the comfortable support and maintenance in sickness 
and health of Winslow Gassett, brother of said Henry, during 
his natural life, in a manner suitable to his education, condition, 
and habits of life, within said Town, in some kind and respectable 
family, and at his decease, to his burial in a decent and proper 
manner. It is next to be appropriated to the comfortable support 
and maintenance of John Gassett, uncle of said Henry, provided 
his own property and income shall be insufftcient for that purpose 
during his natural life, in a manner suitable also to his education 
and condition in life, and at his decease to his burial in a decent 
and proper manner. And to the end that all matters touching 
these two provisions may be adjusted in a friendly and satis- 
factory manner to all concerned, the Minister of the Congrega- 
tional Society over which the Rev. Jos. Allen is now Pastor in 
said Northborough, the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen and 
the Town Clerk of said town ex officio shall at all times have a 
supervisory power over the doings of the town in respect to these 
individuals and if any complaint arises, whether made by said 
Winslow and John or any of their friends, it shall be the duty 
of said Committee forthwith to attend to and examine such 
complaint, and they shall have full power to determine what 
shall be done and the parties shall be bound by their decision. 
And upon the failure of the town forthwith, and without any 
delay whatever to comply with all or any of the requisitions of 
said Committee forthwith to make every necessary provision 
according to their determination and decision aforesaid at the 
cost, charge and expense of the Town. And if a vacancy or 
vacancies should occur in said offices, or in case the persons filling 
them or any one of them, save the Chairman of Selectmen, shall 
at the same time be an Overseer of the Poor or a Selectman, the 
Board of Selectmen shall fill such vacancy or the place, or the 
place of such Selectmen or Overseer of the Poor by electing some 
citizen or citizens as the case may require of the town for that 
purpose, it being the intention of the donor that said supervising 
board shall consist of three, no one of whom, except the Chairman 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 243 

of Selectmen, shall be a Selectman or Overseer of the Poor at 
the same time. 

"3. If the interest annually accruing shall be insufficient for 
the above purposes the Inhabitants of said Town shall supply 
the deficiency so that the principal of said fund shall never be 
lessened or impaired. If, on the other hand, the annual interest 
should be more than sufficient for the above purposes during 
the lives of said Winslow and John and the survivor of thern, 
the excess shall annually be added to the principal until it 
amounts to Four Thousand Dollars — and from and after that 
period one-sixth only of the annual interest shall be added to 
the principal, which shall continue to be done until the principal 
becomes large enough to yield an annual income equal to all 
the charges upon the fund which shall be named in this Instru- 
ment. 

"4. So soon as the fund yields anything beyond the above 
annual appropriations for the said individuals and for its own 
increase, whatever it so yields shall annually be paid to the 
Congregational Society in said Town over which the Rev. Jos. 
Allen is now the settled minister until the amount shall annually 
be equal to the sum of Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars, for the 
support and maintenance of such Ministers and Preachers as 
said Society shall employ to preach the Gospel so long as said 
Society shall exist; which said sum shall be laid out for such 
purpose under the direction and at the discretion of said Society 
— the charity being intended for their benefit and relief, and is 
to be paid into their Treasury — provided however, and if the 
said Society shall cease to exist or shall cease to maintain a good 
and convenient house of Public Worship for an unreasonable 
length of time, upon or near to the spot where the present 
Meeting-house stands, they shall upon the happening of either 
event cease to enjoy the benefit of said annual sum and the 
same shall remain with, and be the property of the said Town 
to be applied by them to the support and maintenance of a 
good public school, to be constantly kept at some central place 
in said Town for the benefit of the Inhabitants thereof forever. 

"5. When the said fund shall have so accumulated as to 
yield a sufficient income for all the above purposes and also 
Fifty Dollars in addition thereto, the Inhabitants of said Town 
shall give that sum as a premium in cash, or some other suitable 
article or articles (at their discretion) of that value, to the most 
worthy and best Mother who has been a resident there for at 
least the term of three years, who shall be selected by a Com- 
mittee of five Mothers or five Fathers, chosen by the Town for 
that purpose; and a like gratuity shall forever after be bestowed 



244 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

at the end of every three successive years in Hke manner, but 
no successful person shall be again a candidate for the premium. 
This appropriation is made by the donor with a view to encourage 
a faithful observance of those high obligations and parental duties 
which devolve upon a Mother and upon an exemplary discharge 
of which depends in a great measure the prosperity, happiness 
and success in life of her offspring. 

"6. After the said fund has increased by the addition an- 
nually of one sixth of the interest as aforesaid, so as to be suffi- 
cient for all the aforesaid purposes, the said Inhabitants are at 
liberty to apply to their current municipal expenditures from 
year to year any surplus that may remain of the annual interest, 
until by the addition annually of said one-sixth, the principal 
becomes large enough to afford an annual income equal to all 
the expenditures from year to year of the Town, when they shall 
cease to increase the principal, but shall keep it as a perpetual 
fund the income of which shall be applied to meet their annual 
expenditures so as to relieve the Inhabitants from all burden of 
taxation for town purposes. 

"7. In case the said Town of Northborough shall fail or 
neglect to comply with the aforesaid conditions and stipulations, 
any party thereby prejudiced may apply to the Supreme 
Judicial Court, or any other Court having authority to act in 
the matter, and have new Trustees to the fund appointed, who 
shall manage the same according to the provisions herein con- 
tained, except no part shall go to the Town to defray town 
charges, but the fund shall accumulate in manner herein pro- 
vided, by adding all the annual income over and above what is 
appropriated to other objects to the principal, until it becomes 
large enough to found and maintian a free grammar school with 
the annual income, when the said Trustees shall establish one 
at some central place in said Town of Northborough for the 
benefit of the Inhabitants thereof which said Institution shall 
be forever called and known by the name of Gassett School — 
and after the fund shall become adequate to this purpose, the 
said town of Northborough may if they see fit apply to the 
Legislature of the Commonwealth for statuary aid in securing 
permanently said fund, and in managing said School in a manner 
most for the interests of said Town, but no authority here given 
shall be so construed as to authorize the appropriation of said 
fund to any other purpose whatever. And in case of such 
forfeiture by the Town as aforesaid and appointment of Trustees 
by the Court, if vacancies should afterward occur in the board, 
the Supreme Judicial Court shall fill them (making at all times 
all appointments of Trustees from the Inhabitants of said Town) 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 245 

until the Legislature shall otherwise provide on the application 
of the Town as aforesaid. And if such forfeiture of the interest 
of the town in said fund should occur as aforesaid, and afterwards 
the Parish or Society aforesaid should also forfeit or lose their 
right to have said sum appropriated to their aid, the same 
shall fall into and become a part of said school funds and be 
dealt with as such. It is the intention of the donor that there 
shall be but one school in any event, and that all the funds shall 
go to that. 

"8. The Treasurer of the Town shall annually render a full 
and clear account of the state of said fund, which shall be open 
to the inspection of all persons interested, and especially to the 
Heirs & Descendants of the said Henry — and in case of forfeiture 
as aforesaid the said Trustees so appointed by the Court as 
aforesaid shall annually render a like account to them, to the 
end that they and all others interested may know the state of 
the fund, and when it shall be large enough to found a school as 
aforesaid. 

"In the testimony of all which, I, the said Henry Gassett, 
and we, the Inhabitants of Northborough by our Committee 
duly authorized have hereunto set our respective signatures 
and Seals this fifteenth day of July, A.D. 1831. 

"Henry Gassett. 
"Signed, sealed and 1 

interchanged in \ Inhabitants of Northborough. 

presence of us. J 



"By 
Anson Rice 
Abraham W. Seaver 



Joseph Allen 
Stephen Williams 
Joseph Davis 
ASAPH RICE 
Phineas Davis" 



Their Committee duly authorized by vote of the Town. 



CHAPTER XXV 

THE FIRST FIRE ENGINE 

The problem of fire protection was evidently not a very 
serious one for Northborough until a comparatively late date — 
though there were a few who preached the doctrine of "prepared- 
ness" much earlier. But they preached to deaf ears. No record 
of their preachments is to be found until 1820, when they 
succeeded in having an article put into the warrant for the 
March Meeting asking the town "to purchase a fire engine." 
When the article was taken up in the due progress of the meeting, 
it met with the fate that has overtaken so many other articles 
in every town meeting since; it was ''Voted, to pass over the article 
without acting on it." 

This is an easy and quick way of disposing of a matter in 
which but few people are interested; but it hardly does credit 
to the intelligence of those few who regard the matter as im- 
portant. But as a town meeting is not an occasion where one 
expects the niceties of politeness, one is not offended when his 
pet schemes are treated in such a summary manner. The only 
result of such treatment is to make one feel that perhaps his pet 
scheme is not as important as he thought it was. 

This evidently was the case with those who stood sponsor 
for a "fire engine" in 1820; for they remained quiescent for 
ten years. In 1830 they brought the matter before the town 
again and met with the same fate. After nursing their disap- 
pointment nine years longer they determined to try again, evi- 
dently in the belief that "the third time never fails." First it 
didn't, and then it did. At a meeting held on November 11, 
1839, they had the extreme gratification of having had the article 
acted upon, with the result that the meeting "Voted, to choose 
a committee of three persons to make inquiry as to the cost of a 
good fire engine and report to the next meeting." The "three 
persons" chosen to make the inquiry were Asaph Rice, John R. 
Miller, and Job Andrews. The inquiry was duly made, and the 
committee reported on April 6, 1840, "that a good fire engine 
would cost $300." The report was then laid on the table "for 
the present"; and later, when it was taken from the table it was 
"Voted, to pass by the report without acting upon it." 

And that is precisely what was done twenty years before. 




XURTHliOKUl GHS FIRST FIRE ENGINE, BOUGHT IN 1846 




AQUEDUCT CROSSING THE ASSABET RIVER AT WOODSIDE 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 247 

Victory came at last, however, after six years more of patient 
waiting. The warrant for the March Meeting, 1846, contained 
the following article: 

"Article XX: To see if the town will vote to raise any part 
of the sum necessary to purchase a fire engine of Captain Thomas 
W. Lyon, or act any way on the subject." And under this 
article it was voted : "That a committee of five persons be chosen 
to confer with Captain Lyon concerning his engine and report 
at a future meeting. Chose: Silas Haynes, Samuel Fisher, 
Edwin Wesson, John Glazier, Warren Fay." 

At a subsequent meeting the following persons were added 
to that committee, though their names do not appear on the 
committee's report: Nathaniel Fisher, Henry R. Phelps, Eben 
D. Blake. 

Captain Thomas W. Lyon, with whom the committee were 
instructed to confer, was a first-class mechanic who had a 
machine shop on East Main Street, where Thomas H. Blair's 
factory now is. 

The committee lost no time in attending to the duty assigned 
them, and reported the results of its inquiry at a special meeting 
on May 27, 1846. That report is so historically interesting that 
we quote it in full: 

"The committee appointed by the town to make inquiries 
respecting a fire engine suitable to the wants of this community, 
having performed this service, ask leave to present the results 
of their inquiries in the following report: 

"Your committee after due deliberation proceeded to ascer- 
tain for what sum a suitable second-hand engine could be ob- 
tained in the city of Boston, and consider themselves as very 
fortunate in having obtained the refusal of one for a short time 
at a sum less than half what a new one of the same value could 
be afforded by our ingenious townsman, Capt. Thomas Lyon, 
or by any engine maker in Boston. Your committee having 
satisfied themselves from the best testimony, that the said 
engine would answer all purposes for which it would be needed, 
and was offered at a very low rate, and being obliged to purchase 
it, if at all, sooner than a town meeting could be conveniently 
called, immediately opened a subscription which met a ready 
response by the inhabitants of the village and other citizens of 
the town. 

"Encouraged by this gratifying success, and unwilling to 
lose the favorable opportunity of procuring so valuable an engine 
at so cheap a rate, your committee closed the bargain immediately 



248 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

and procured the engine at $150; additional hose, freight, etc., 
$21.75; making the whole expense $171.75. 

"The subscription obtained by your committee amounts to 
$158.50, most of which has been paid in; and what has not yet 
been collected will be paid in; leaving about $14 arrearage, which 
it is understood the town will assume in accepting the engine. 

"With this report of their proceedings, your committee in 
behalf of the subscribers to whose generosity they chiefly owe 
their success, and who are now the proprietors of the engine, 
present said engine to the town of Northborough to be kept 
constantly in good order, and to be used for the benefit of the 
inhabitants against the ravages of fire. 

"Your committee also recommend that the town authorize 
the building of a suitable engine-house immediately for the 
safe keeping of the engine, and that they choose a committee for 
this purpose. 

"All which is respectfully submitted." 

The town readily accepted this report, "Voted to purchase 
a dozen of fire-buckets," and appointed a committee "to procure 
a suitable spot and build a convenient house upon it for the safe 
keeping of the fire-engine." 

A month passed by; and the committee not having attended 
to their duty, were instructed at another special meeting (held 
June 22) "not to build a house until they receive further instruc- 
tions from the town." Those "further instructions" were not 
forthcoming until five months later (November 9), and they 
specified that "said house should not exceed the size of 16 by 
20 feet, and one story high." 

The house was not built, however, until the following summer 
(1847). It stood on Hudson Street, near Armour's blacksmith 
shop. A few years ago it was moved to Chapinville, where it 
now is. 



CHAPTER XXVI 

THE RAILROAD 

The railroad began operations in Northborough in 1856. 
In speaking of the subject, our older inhabitants tell us with 
evident pride that "when the railroad was built Northborough 
was the terminus of the 'road,' meaning thereby, the END of 
the route. We wish to corerct that impression. Northborough 
was not the end but the BEGINNING of the route. Our 
authority for this statement is the act of the legislature which 
authorized the construction of the road. Section 2 of said Act 
reads as follows: 

"Said Corporation is hereby empowered to locate, con- 
struct, and maintain, with one or more tracks, a branch railroad 
COMMENCING at some point ?iear the village of Northborough, 
thence running to a point near the center village of Southborough, 
thence to connect with any branch of the Boston and Worcester 
Railroad near the center village of Framingham, etc."* 

This act was passed in 1847; and according to Section 4 it 
would become void if the road were not constructed within sixteen 
months. It was not constructed within that time, but successive 
acts of the legislature in 1848, 1851, 1852, and 1853 extended 
the time limit until finally the road was completed and began 
operations in 1856. 

This first railroad was known as "The Agricultural Branch 
Railroad." If we may judge by the first Board of Directors it 
must have been financed largely by residents of this section of 
the state; for said Board was composed of men who resided in 
Framingham, Southborough, Northborough, Marlborough, Ber- 
lin, Clinton, Leominster, and Fitchburg. There was one from 
Concord and two from Boston. Of the fifteen men who com- 
posed the Board two resided in Northborough — Captain Cyrus 
Gale and Anson Rice. 

The first station stood where the present one now stands. 
There was a turntable just beyond. The wood-yard was where 
George H. Felt's coal-yard now is. The roundhouse stood a few 
feet beyond the present grain store. William Ellsworth was 
the first caretaker of the yard. 

*This is indeed a small matter; but in this our anniversary year we desire to claim for 
Northborough all the honor that belongs to her. 



250 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Thomas B. Rice was the first station agent. Amaziah 
Twitchell also served as station agent for several years. He 
also served as conductor on the Boston & Albany road. Henry 
Goulding was one of the first engineers. Elijah Brigham was 
one of the first firemen. Herbert Baird was a fireman. Herman 
Fay was the first conductor. He afterwards was conductor on 
the Boston & Albany. 

There was naturally great excitement in town when the 
first engine came in. A free ride to Marlborough was provided 
for all who cared to give themselves that enjoyment. Settees 
were arranged on platform cars for that purpose. It is needless 
to say that many people availed themselves of the opportunity 
to have their first ride on a railroad train. 

The road was later extended to Fitchburg, and was there- 
after known as the Boston, Clinton & Fitchburg Railroad. 
It is now the Northern Division of the New York, New Haven 
& Hartford Railroad. 

Engines were named in those days, instead of numbered, 
as they are now. One bore the name of a Northborough man, 
Cyrus Gale. 

Note. Since writing the above we have come into possession of an 
interesting fact. It seems that the town took a lively interest in the con- 
struction of this road; and, in an official capacity sought to aid in financing 
it, as the following from the Town Records will show: — Under date of August 
22, 1853. Art. II: 

"To see if the town will take any measures to raise a sura not exceeding 
$10,000 for the purpose of building the Agricultural Branch Railroad from 
Framingham to this town: or furnish to individuals funds to enable them 
to subscribe for stock in said railroad, and act any way on the subject of 
building said railroad." 

"Voted: That the town treasurer be authorized and empowered to borrow 
the sum of five thousand dollars to pay town charges, and for other purposes, 
at a rate not exceeding six per cent per annum." 

"Voted: That the town treasurer, with two others to be chosen by the 
town, be a committee to loan the above five thousand dollars to citizens of 
this town who have, or may become, subscribers to the capital stock of the 
Agricultural Branch Railroad Company, in sums not exceeding twenty 
per cent of the amount of their subscriptions, and on such security as they 
may deem sufficient. Chose Abraham W. Seaver and Eben D. Blake." 
"Voted: To add one more to the committee, and chose Samuel Clark." 
Whether this opportunity was taken advantage of does not appear. 
Note. Another interesting fact which the Town Records reveal is the 
following. It explains itself. Feltonville was that part of Marlborough 
which afterwards became the Town of Hudson. 

March 5, 1855. Art. XI. 

"To see what action the town will take upon an order of notice served 
upon the inhabitants of Northborough by the petitioners for a charter for 
a Railroad from Feltonville to Northborough." 

"Voted: To choose a committee of five persons to go before the committee 
of' our present Legislature on Railways and Canals and oppose the granting 
of a charter for a Railway from Feltonville to Northborough. Chose Cyrus 
Gale, Wilder Bush, Anson Rice, George C. Davis, and Samuel Clark." 



CHAPTER XXVII 

THE NORTHBOROUGH FREE LIBRARY* 

The Northborough Free Library was organized in 1868; 
but it did not spring into being in a night. No good thing that 
is worth having ever comes to hand ready made. It must first 
be thought out with painstaking care and nourished with an 
optimistic faith. This is true of our pubHc Hbrary. We have 
shown in another place (under schools) that Northborough 's 
interest in education is coterminous with its incorporated exist- 
ence. We desire to show here that her interest in public 
libraries as an adjunct to education extends back into the 
eighteenth century. 

Rev. Peter Whitney in his "History of the County of Wor- 
cester" (published in 1793), writing of Northborough, says: 

"Here about thirty gentlemen have united and established a 
Social Library, containing at present one hundred volumes, and 
such are its regulations as that it will annually increase." It is 
difficult to understand why Mr. Whitney did not give some 
details of this library, for a library in those early days was an 
important institution, and Mr. Whitney was an historian. 
There is no data concerning it beyond three manuscript papers 
which call upon its collector to collect certain fines which were 
then overdue; and a statement by Dr. Allen to the effect that 
'this library was maintained until its incorporation with the 
Free Library of the First Parish in 1828." 

This Free Parish Library above referred to, was organized 
in 1827, Dr. Allen himself contributing fifty volumes thereto. 
When, the following year, the Social Library was united with it 
its name was changed to the "Free Library of the Congrega- 
tional Society in Northborough." We quote two articles from 
the constitution, which happily is preserved, together with its 
catalogue of books: 

"Article I. Any inhabitant of the Town of Northborough, 
or any resident in said town, over the age of 16 3/ears. shall be 
permitted to take books from this Library. 

"Art. VI. The Library shall be kept in the projection of 
the Meeting-house and shall be open at such times on each 
Lord's Day as may be found to be most convenient." 

*For a full account of the Library see the excellent monograph by Miss Cora Small, 
entitled "History of the Northborough Free Library." It may be purchased at the Library. 



252 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The "projection of the Meeting-house," referred to in Article 
VI, was what is now the choir gallery. 

In the meantime, two other libraries had been organized. 
And as their origin has an historical interest we tell it in Dr. 
Allen's own words:* 

"Regarding a good Library as an efficient means of pro- 
moting the cause of education, the formation of such an insti- 
tution was one of the earliest objects to which my efforts were 
directed. The result was the formation of 'The Young Ladies' 
Library,' in the spring of 1817, under the direction of an asso- 
ciation consisting at first of about sixty young ladies, who were 
accustomed for several years to hold meetings one afternoon 
each week, and afterwards once in two weeks, during six months 
in the year, bringing their work with them, and while engaged 
in their labors, listening to the reading by their pastor of such 
books, generally of a moral and religious character, as he had 
selected for that purpose. By the proceeds of their labor they 
were soon able to purchase a valuable library, besides contrib- 
uting a handsome sum every year to charitable purposes. Of the 
propitious influences of this institution, not only upon its mem- 
bers but upon the whole town, no one acquainted with the facts 
will doubt. There was at that time only one Library in town, 
which had had its day, but consisting principally of works on 
theology and religion, and those of an older date, the library 
was, I believe, little read, and excited but little interest in the 
young. 

"It was just at the close of this part of my ministry, viz.. 
May, 1824, that the wants of a younger class of persons were 
met by the establishment of a Juvenile or Sunday School Library. 
The subject was first proposed to the Church, May 7, 1824, and 
the first contribution for its support was made on the 16th of 
the same month. I mention these dates, because I suppose 
it is one of the oldest institutions of the kind in New England, 
that is, of a Free Juvenile Library, supported by an annual 
contribution of the Society. It has always been an object of 
interest to the children and youth in this place, and the annual 
contributions for its support have been creditable to the town 
and parish. Many of the books have been worn out or lost, 
but these have been replaced by others, so that the library now 
contains more than four hundred volumes." 

The next step in the development of our public library took 
place in 1857, and was known as the "Agricultural Library." 

*Dr. Allen's Twenty-fifth Anniversary Sermon. This was delivered in 1841 (October 31) 
and is replete with historical information. 




ISAAC DAVIS 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 253 

This was a privately owned library, shares in which were sold 
at S3 00 each. The only data concerning it we have is a paper 
giving a list of shareholders. This list contains the names of 
many citizens who were prominent in the town at that time. 

In 1867 the "Northborough Library Association" was formed, 
"the object of which," says Miss Cora Small in her History ot 
the Northborough Free Library,' "was to obtain money by 
subscription, public entertainments, lectures, etc for the 
purchase of books; and it succeeded in raising $621 51. Miss 
Small also says, that "Capt. Cyrus Gale had made a formal 
ofTer of $1000, and Hon. Milo Hildreth $250 towards starting a 
pubHc library on condition that a town hall should be built 
and a room furnished for the books in the new building. 

The present town hall was built in 1868, and on April 6 o 
that year the town meeting voted "that the Town establish a 
Public Library." It was also voted that $150 be appropriated 
for maintaining the same, and the following first Board ot 
Library Trustees were chosen: Hon. Cyrus Gale, Josiah K. 
Davis, Richard W. Newton, Abraham W. Seaver, Dr Henry A. 
Jewett, George Barnes, Dr. Joshua J. Johnson, George L. 
Chesbro, Walter Gale. 

The money and other property of the Northborough Library 
Association were accordingly turned over to the Library Trustees, 
together with $500, and $500 worth of books which the Hon. 
Isaac Davis of Worcester had donated. 

The Northborough Free Library, which had been the dream 
of our citizens for many years, thus started on its way in the 
spring of 1868 with the following assets: Gifts from 

Hon. Cyrus Gale $1,000.00 

Hon. Isaac Davis 5??^^ 

Hon. Milo Hildreth 250.00 

Library Association 621.51 

Town appropriation 150.00 

Interest 62.13 

$2,583.64 

The library was housed, first in the town hall (in the room 
now occupied by the selectmen) ; next, in the room now occupied 
by the postoffice; and finally and permanently in the beautiful 
building of its own on East Main Street. This building was a 
gift from Cyrus Gale, son of the Hon. Cyrus Gale, one of the 
library's first benefactors, and was dedicated on Wednesday, 
June 12, 1895. 



254 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The Library at the present time contains nearly fifteen thou- 
sand volumes, and has an endowment of $20,398.22. From the 
beginning, the town has dealt generously with it, regarding it 
as one of its most important assets. 

In their report for the year ending February 1, 1904, the 
Library Trustees make the following statement anent the 
value of our Library property: "The loss of several libraries 
by fire in nearby towns in the early part of the year moved your 
trustees to investigate the value and protection of our own 
Library property. The inquiry was entered into somewhat 
carefully by a special committee, which reported in part, as 
follows: that the cost of our Library building was $33,600; 
that the present value of books is $10,000; that the value of 
furniture and pictures (including book-stacks, card catalogue, 
etc.), is $3000; making a total valuation of $46,600." 

The Northborough Free Library is one of the important 
assets of the town. Its building is in itself a "thing of beauty," 
while its collection of books is surpassed by but few, if any, 
small libraries in the state. 

MISS ELLEN WILLIAMS 

No statement concerning the Northborough Free Library 
would be complete without mention of Miss Ellen Williams. 

Miss Williams died in Northborough, June 13, 1917, aged 
seventy-eight years. She was the last of her race, so far as 
Northborough was concerned. Her grandfather, Stephen 
Williams, came to Northborough from Salem, Mass., in 1799. 
He bought the farm now owned by Frederick A. King, about 
a mile out on the Boylston road, and until his death in 1838, 
carried on a stock farm. He was a raiser and importer of pure- 
blooded stock and was well known throughout the country. 
Upon his death, the farm was carried on by his son, George 
Williams, father of Ellen. Miss Williams came into possession 
of the property, and lived there until 1898 when she sold it to 
Mr. King, its present owner. The property remained in the 
Williams family three generations, just ninety-nine years. 

Miss Williams was a highly intellectual woman — inde- 
pendent in her views and fearless in expressing them. In her 
earlier years she taught school — the West School. Later, she 
went to Syracuse, New York, where she taught in a school for 
the feeble-minded. She later returned to Northborough where 
she spent the remainder of her life. 

Upon her retirement from the Board of Library Trustees in 
1916, the Trustees passed the following resolutions: 




MISS ELLEN WILLIAMS 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 255 

"The Trustees of the Northborough Free Library meet 
today (April 4) with a feeling of regret which is akin to sadness; 
for we miss from our ranks a familiar face. Miss Ellen Williams 
has been a member of our Board for more than thirty years, 
during which time she has been a faithful servant of the North- 
borough Free Library, and through the Library, a faithful 
servant of the Town of Northborough. Her comprehensive 
knowledge of the best literature, her rare literary judgment, 
and her whole-souled devotion to the welfare of the Library 
have made her the most commanding influence in the building 
up of an institution which we believe to be one of the most im- 
portant assets of our Town. Her term of service has extended 
over so many years, and the quantity of that service has been so 
great and its quality so rare, that the Board of Trustees desire 
to put on record at this time its appreciation of that service. 
Be it therefore 

"Resolved: That the Board of Trustees of the Northborough 
Free Library express to Miss Ellen Williams their keen appre- 
ciation of the valuable services which she has so faithfully and so 
generously given to the Library during a period of thirty years. 
They realize, as perhaps none others do, or can, the magnitude 
and value of that service, not only to the Library but to the 
entire intellectual interests of the Town of Northborough. Be it 

''Resolved: "That in Miss Williams's retirement from the 
Board, the Board of Trustees lose a wise counselor and devoted 
friend." 



CHAPTER XXVIII 

THE NORTHBOROUGH NATIONAL BANK 

Banking institutions are never numerous in a rural neighbor- 
hood, but in this immediate vicinity at the present time there 
are several banks; so many in fact, that it is almost impossible 
to realize that until one was established in Northborough there 
were none in this entire region. Marlborough had none; West- 
borough had none; Hudson had none; Shrewsbury had none, 
Berlin had none; Southborough had none. The Northborough 
bank, therefore, was the pioneer bank of this neighborhood. 

The Northborough bank was organized as a state bank under 
the following Act of the Massachusetts Legislature, in 1854: 

"An Act to incorporate the Northborough Bank in the Town 
of Northborough. 

"Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives 
in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same 
as follows: 

"Section I. George C. Davis, Cyrus Gale, Wilder Bush, 
their associates and successors, are hereby made a corporation 
by the name of the President, Directors and Company, of the 
Northborough Bank, to be established in the town of North- 
borough, and shall so continue until the first day of October, 
in the year one thousand eight hundred and seventy-five; and 
shall be entitled to all the powers and privileges, and be sub- 
jected to all duties, liabilities and restrictions, set forth in the 
public statutes of this Commonwealth relative to banks and 
banking. 

"Section II. The capital stock of said bank shall consist of 
one hundred thousand dollars to be divided into shares of one 
hundred dollars each to be paid in such installments, and at 
such times as the stockholders may direct, provided that the 
whole be paid in before the first day of May in the year one 
thousand eight hundred and fifty-five. 

"Section III. The stock of said bank shall be transferable, 
only at its banking-house and on its books. 

"Section IV. The said corporation shall be subject to all 
the liabilities, requirements and restrictions contained in such 
acts as may be hereafter passed by the General Court in rela- 
tion to banks and banking." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 257 

The above act was passed by the House of Representatives, 
March 25, by the Senate, March 27, and signed by the Governor, 
March 28, 1854. 

Under authority of this Act the three men named therein 
issued the necessary notices to subscribers to the capital stock, 
and a general notice to all others interested, inviting them to a 
meeting to be held on the 31st day of May. The proposed 
meeting was held at the appointed time, George C. Davis being 
temporary chairman and Cyrus Gale, temporary secretary. 
After voting to admit the subscribers to the capital stock as 
members of the corporation, a permanent organization was 
effected, with George C. Davis and Cyrus Gale, chairman and 
secretary, respectively. 

The subscribers present at this initial meeting were as 
follows: Abraham W. Seaver, Lewis Fay, Eber Brewer, Caleb 
Maynard, Otis Newton, Anson Rice, John Stone, Selina Gleason, 
Henry G. Colburn, Horace S. Fiske, Wilder Bush, Jonathan H. 
Nelson, George C. Davis, and Cyrus Gale. 

The charter of said bank was unanimously accepted; after 
which the following Board of Directors were chosen: George C. 
Davis, Cyrus Gale, Wilder Bush, Abraham W. Seaver, John 
Rice, Otis Newton, Jonathan H. Nelson, Jabes H. Weatherbee, 
J. H. Spring. 

On June 9, 1854, the Board of Directors elected George C. 
Davis president; and on September 11, they elected Abraham 
W. Seaver first cashier. The election of Mr. Seaver as cashier 
made it necessary for him to resign from the Board of Directors. 
This he did, and on October 2, Thomas Corey was elected in his 
stead. 

The bank issued its own money and owned its own bill 
plates. The following vote under date, September 25, 1854, is 
interesting as showing how the Directors selected the design for 
their plate: "Voted, that each person present mark on paper the 
denomination of bills which they wish Gov. Davis's head to be 
placed on." On the first ballot they were equally divided; but 
on the second they "Voted, 2 to 5 to place Gov. Davis's head 
upon the I's, 2's, 3's and 5's." 

It was then "Voted, to place the heads of the following persons 
upon the lO's, 20's, 50's and lOO's: George Washington, John 
Quincy Adams, Zachary Taylor, Charles Sumner." 

In the meantime the Directors had purchased a piece of 
land and were erecting a permanent home. 

The bank commenced business December 8, 1854, in their 
new home which had cost, "real estate, including vaults, etc., 
$2,350.63." 



258 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Wilder Bush was the first depositor, he depositing on the 
opening day, $200. 

On January 30, 1855, it was voted "to join the Association 
of Banks for the suppression of counterfeiting, and send a delegate 
to the meeting to be held in Boston on February 14." The bank 
continued its membership in this association for several years — 
as long, in fact, as the association remained in existence. 

The bank by this time was in full operation, and proved 
to be a great convenience to the business interests of the whole 
neighborhood. It would seem to have been in successful oper- 
ation, too, for in nine months' time, September 17, 1855, it was 
"Voted, to declare a dividend of 4% on each and every share." 

The bank was operated on conservative and economical 
lines, even the president receiving no salary whatever. On 
October 1, 1860, George C. Davis was unanimously chosen 
president for the seventh consecutive time. With the growth 
of the bank's business the duties of the president had increased 
to such an extent that they were demanding more of his time 
than he thought he could afford to give them gratuitously; 
and on his seventh election Mr. Davis demurred a little at 
continuing them. So "he stated (to the Directors) that he had 
served the bank for nearly six years without any remuneration 
and thought that if his services were not worth anything to the 
bank he ought not to occupy the place; but would leave it to the 
Directors to do as they thought best." 

This statement brought the Directors to a realization of the 
fact, that for six years they had been receiving valuable services 
for nothing. And realizing the value of those services, and being 
unwilling to dispense with them, they voted (October 15), as 
follows: "The undersigned, Directors of the Northborough Bank, 
propose that in the future the President of said Bank be paid 
liberally for his time in signing the bills, and for all other services 
that he performs more than the other Directors, and in this 
proportion of compensation, to the year past, ending October 1, 
1860." 

This arrangement (though not very great as we reckon the 
salaries of bank presidents today), was evidently satisfactory 
to Mr. Davis, for he accepted his election and continued to 
serve as president for thirteen years thereafter. 

In the spring of 1861 the Civil War broke upon us with its 
four years of financial strain and uncertainty. War always 
entails a vast amount of extra work upon our banks There 
seems to be an unwritten law that, in times of national crisis, 
the banks of the country shall render patriotic service to the 




GEORGE C. DAVIS 
First President of the Northborough Bank, 1854-73 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 259 

government and to the people alike, "without charge." And 
the banks have never failed to render that service. 

During the summer months of that year (1861) thousands 
of our troops were concentrating in army camps; and in the 
autumn, many of them were already on the firing line. North- 
borough had sent her quota, some of whom had made the supreme 
sacrifice. The financial problems of our soldiers in war time, 
small in themselves but large in the aggregate, and of first im- 
portance to the soldiers and their families, must be taken care 
of. The Northborough Bank was quick to offer assistance, and 
on November 4, placed this vote upon its records: ''Voted, to 
receive and disburse such sums of money as the soldiers may 
send home, free of charge." 

This is an innocent looking vote, which probably means 
nothing to us at this far distance; but when we recall that the 
war lasted four years and that Northborough sent one hundred 
and fifty-four men into it, it is fair to presume that many of them 
took advantage of it, and that the work of the bank's clerical 
force was largely increased in consequence. 

Nor was this the measure of the Northborough Bank's 
patriotic service at that time. In war time Government must 
have money with which to meet its immediate expenses. It 
obtains that money largely through the issuance of bonds. 
After the war had continued through two discouraging years, 
and there was yet no prospect of its victorious termination, the 
Government made a new issue of bonds to which the North- 
borough Bank subscribed $25,000. This was in April, 1863. 
Other purchases were made before the war ceased. 

CHANGED TO A NATIONAL BANK 

As has been stated above, the Northborough Bank was 
organized as a State Bank under a special Act of the Massachu- 
setts Legislature. In 1864 the United States Congress passed 
an act entitled, "An Act to provide a national currency, secured 
by a pledge of United States Bonds, and to provide for the 
circulation and redemption thereof." The Northborough Bank, 
soon afterwards, thought it wise to take advantage of this law, 
and it accordingly proceeded to take measures to change its 
status from a State Bank to a National Bank. To make this 
radical change it was necessary to procure the consent of the 
owners of two-thirds of its capital stock. This consent was 
obtained, as the following document will show: 

"We, the undersigned stockholders of the Northborough 
Bank, located in the Town of Northborough, County of Wor- 
cester, and State of Massachusetts, having a capital of one hundred 



260 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

thousand dollars, do hereby authorize and empower the Direc- 
tors thereof to change and convert said Bank into a National 
Banking Association, under the general Banking Law of the 
United States, and according to the provisions of the 44th Section 
of the Act of Congress entitled 'An Act to provide a national 
currency, secured by a pledge of United States Bonds, and to 
provide for the circulation and redemption thereof,' approved 
June 3, 1864; and we do also authorize the said Directors, or a 
majority thereof, to make and execute the articles of Association 
and Organization Certificate required to be made or contemplated 
by said Act; and also to make and execute all other papers and 
certificates, and to do all acts necessary to be done to convert 
said Northborough Bank into a National Banking Association; 
and to do and perform all such acts as may be necessary to 
transfer the assets of every description and character of said 
Northborough Bank to the National Banking Association into 
which it is to be converted, so that the said conversion may be 
absolute and complete; and we do hereby assume, as the name of 
the National Banking Association into which the said North- 
borough Bank is to be converted, 'The Northborough National 
Bank'; and we do hereby appoint George C. Davis, Cyrus Gale, 
Wilder Bush, John Rice, Jonathan H. Nelson, Otis Newton, 
Thomas Corey, F. D. Brigham and Hamilton B. Fay, who are 
now the Directors of the said Northborough Bank, to be the 
Directors of the said Northborough National Bank, to hold 
their office as such Directors until the regular annual election of 
Directors is held, pursuant to the provisions of said Act of Congress 
and until their successors are chosen and qualified; and we do 
hereby authorize the said Directors of the said Northborough 
National Bank to continue in office the officers of the said 
Northborough Bank, or to appoint or elect others, as to them 
may seem best. 

"In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands and 
written against our names the number of shares owned by us 
respectively, this twenty-seventh day of March, A. D., 1865." 

(Here follows a list of subscribers representing six hundred 
and seventy-six shares.) 

Armed with this authority, the Directors voted, April 17, 
1865: "Having been authorized by a vote of the stockholders of 
the Northborough Bank, and having procured the assent of 
two-thirds of the capital stock, it is moved: 

"That the Directors now decide, and immediately proceed 
to change this Bank into an Association for Banking purposes 
under the laws of the United States. 

"Voted, that the vote be taken by yeas and nays. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 261 

"Voted, as follows: 

George C. Davis, yea. Jonathan H. Nelson, yea. 

Cyrus Gale, yea. Thomas Corey, yea. 

Wilder Bush, yea. F. D. Brigham, yea. 

"Voted, that the cashier publish the notice required by the 
statutes of the Commonwealth and do all the acts necessary to 
be done to carry out the above vote." 

Notice of the proposed change was duly published in the 
Boston Journal and in the Worcester Transcript. 



THE ORGANIZATION CERTIFICATE 

Issued by the Board of Directors, under date, May 22, 1865, 
is as follows: 

"We, the undersigned, Directors of the Northborough Bank 
in the State of Massachusetts, do hereby declare that the owners 
of two-thirds of the Capital Stock of said Bank have authorized 
the Directors of said Bank to make the necessary Organization 
Certificate, and to change and convert the said Bank into a 
national association, under the provisions of the Act of Congress 
entitled, 'An Act to provide a national currency, secured by a 
pledge of United States Bonds, and to provide for the circu- 
lation and redemption thereof,' approved June 3, 1864, and by 
virtue of said authority, and in accordance with the provisions 
and requirements of the 44th Section of said Act, we do hereby 
make and execute this Organization Certificate; 

"First: The name and title of this association shall be the 
Northborough National Bank. 

"Second: The said Association shall be located and continued 
in the Town of Northborough, County of Worcester, and State 
of Massachusetts, where its operations of discount and deposit 
are to be carried on. 

"Third: The Capital Stock of the Association shall be one 
hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); and the same shall be 
divided into 1000 shares of $100 each, as it is now divided in the 
said Northborough Bank. 

"Fourth: The name and residence of each of the stockholders 
of the said Northborough Bank, under the provisions of the 
Act of Congress aforesaid and the number of shares of $100 
each, held by each stockholder, are as follows:" 



262 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



(Here follows a list of stockholders with their holdings. We 
subjoin them according to places where the stock was held.) 



Where Held 

Boylston .... 

Boston 

Berlin 

Bolton 

Harvard .... 
Lunenburg. . . , 
Med way .... 
Marlborough 
Northborough 
Princeton . . . . 



No. of Shares 

23 
33 
11 

5 
5 
2 
3 
46 
. 557 
3 



Where Held No. of Shares 

Southborough 20 

Sterling 8 

Worcester 110 

W^estborough 20 

Stow 26 

Philadelphia 10 



Shrewsbury 82 



New York City 

Ohio 

Rhode Island .... 
New Hampshire . . 
Buenos Aires 



11 

5 

5 

10 

5 



The Directors of the Bank at the time the change was made 
were: George C. Davis of Northborough; Cyrus Gale, of North- 
borough; Wilder Bush, of Northborough; John Rice, of North- 
borough; Jonathan H. Nelson, of Shrewsbury; Francis D. 
Brigham, of Marlborough; Hamilton B. Fay, of Worcester; 
Otis Newton, of W^estborough; Thomas Corey of Marlborough. 

The condition of the bank, May 20, 1865, was as follows: 



Capital Stock. . . 


$100,000.00 


Bills discounted 


$183,822.63 


Circulation .... 


64,631.00 


Nat. Bank of Re- 




Deposit 


26,345.86 


demption .... 


1,886.52 


Unclaimed Divi- 




Nat. Park Bank 


6,696.00 


dends 


501.50 


Stock in National 




Discount and In- 




Bank of Re- 




terest 


774.71 


demption .... 


5,400.00 


Reserved Profits 


15,800.00 


Real Estate 


2,000.00 






Expense 


247.52 






Specie 


6,145.08 






Foreign Bills, 








Checks and Cur- 








rency 


1,855.32 




$208,053.07 


$208,053.07 



The necessary papers were forwarded to Washington, John 
Rice (one of the Directors) personally carrying $100,000 worth 
of bonds, which were exchanged for registered bonds, deposited 
with the Treasurer of the United States to secure the circula- 
tion of the Bank. 

In the spring of 1873, George C. Davis, who had served the 




ABRAHAM W. SEAVER 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 263 

Bank as president ever since it was established in 1854 (nearly 
nineteen years), died. The Directors passed the following 
resolutions, on March 5: 

"Whereas, it has pleased God in his all wise Providence, to 
remove from our midst our honored President, George C. 
Davis, who for nineteen consecutive years has been unanimously 
chosen to fill that office, the sudden and sad event causes us to 
turn with fuller confidence to Him who doeth all things well. 

"Resolved, that in the death of Mr. Davis this Board loses 
a worthy and efficient President, and the community a respected, 
public-spirited and influential citizen, one long to be remembered 
by old and young as a wise counselor and esteemed friend. 

"Resolved, that this Board will attend the funeral services 
of the deceased, and that we tender to Mrs. Davis and family, 
our sympathy in their affliction. 

"Voted, that these resolutions be entered upon our records, 
and that a copy be presented to Mrs. Davis. 

"A. M. Seaver, Clerk.'' 

As a further tribute of respect to Mr. Davis's memory the 
office of president remained vacant until the following January, 
when Wilder Bush was elected as his successor (January 13). 
Mr. Bush continued in office until his death in 1880. 

On March 22, 1875, Abraham W. Seaver, who had per- 
formed the duties of cashier ever since the inception of the 
bank, resigned that office to become the president of the Wachu- 
sett National Bank of Fitchburg; and Wilder M. Bush was 
unanimously elected his successor. 

In April, 1875, George A. Seaver, the assistant cashier, died, 
and was succeeded (May 7, 1875) by Omon H. Lawrence of 
Fitchburg. Mr. Lawrence served as assistant cashier until 
July 1 of the same year when he assumed the duties of cashier. 
He acted in the latter capacity until April 1, 1878, when he 
resigned. He in turn, was succeeded by Abraham W. Seaver 
who had held the office for so many years before. 

In February, 1880, the Hon. Thomas Rice was elected presi- 
dent, and Samuel Vv^ood, vice-president. 

In the meantime death had invaded the Board of Directors, 
frequently. 

Jonathan H. Nelson, of Shrewsbury, died in May, 1872. 

President George C. Davis died in March, 1873. 

Thomas Corey, of Marlborough, died in January, 1875. 

President Wilder Bush died in 1880. 



264 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Cyrus Gale died in September, 1880. 

John Rice died in February, 1881. 

Francis D. Brigham, of Marlborough, died in March, 1883. 

Caleb T. Chapin died in September, 1883. 

Lambert Bigelow died in October, 1884. 

ABRAHAM W. SEAVER 

On the second day of September, 1887, Abraham W.Seaver 
died. Mr Seaver had lived a long and useful life, and for many 
years had been one of the leading men of this town. No account 
of the town of Northborough or of the Northborough Bank 
would be complete without a more or lesss extended notice of 
this man. And, as his connection with the bank extended over 
a period of thirty years, this would seem to be the proper place 
for it. The following notice of his life appeared in the Boston 
(Morning) Journal under date of September 3, 1887: 

"Mr. Abraham Wood Seaver died at his home in Northboro', 
Mass., at twenty-five minutes of 7 o'clock Friday morning, 
Sept. 2, after a short sickness from a chronic trouble of the liver. 
He was born in Northboro' 78 years ago the 19th of last March. 
His parents lived at the time of his birth in the large house 
opposite the factory of Milo Hildreth, on Main Street. His 
father, Samuel Seaver, died Jan. 25, 1838, aged 68 years. His 
business was carding wool. Mr. Seaver was the oldest son of a 
family of seven children, all of whom are now dead except Deacon 
Samuel Seaver, who is father of Edwin and Francis Seaver, now 
living in Boston, the former Superintendent of Schools in the 
city, and the latter cashier of the Manufacturers' Bank. In 
1824, at the age of 15 years, he went into the store of Joseph 
Davis and Cyrus Gale of Northboro'. After his apprenticeship 
he was admitted as partner in the business with the late Hon. 
Cyrus Gale. The firm's name was C. Gale & Co. They were 
together quite a number of years, and did a large and successful 
business. In 1845 they sold out to Cyrus Gale, Jr., and Henry 
Maynard. Mr. Seaver then went to Boston in the paint and 
oil trade. This business not proving satisfactory, he returned 
to Northboro' after an absence of one or two years. In 1853 
he went into the manufacture of combs with Milo Hildreth, 
under the firm's name of Seaver & Hildreth, at the old factory 
formerly owned by the Northboro' Manufacturing Company. 
In 1854 the Northboro' Bank was incorporated, and Mr. Seaver 
retired from the firm to take the position as cashier, with George 
C. Davis, president. He continued in office 21 years, when in 
1875 he retired to accept the position as president of the Wachu- 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 265 

sett Bank, a new bank in Fitchburg, Mass. In 1888 he resigned 
and returned to Northboro', and was re-elected cashier, with the 
Hon. Thomas Rice of Shrewsbury president of the bank. For a 
period of 30 years he has held the office and performed the duties 
of cashier up to his last sickness. He was a quiet but busy 
man, and enjoyed the confidence of the community, was prudent 
in his manner of living, cautious in his investments, and a man 
of wealth and a Christian gentleman. Outside of his regular 
work he has done considerable business at conveyancing, settling 
estates, dealing in Western securities and real estate. He was 
a well-known and a highly respected citizen of the central and 
eastern portion of Worcester County. He held many posi- 
tions of honor and trust, with credit to himself and profit to 
others. The offer of the appointment of Judge of the Second 
Worcester District Court was made to him by Governor Thomas 
Talbot after the resignation of Judge Forbes of Westboro', 
which he declined. In town affairs he always favored a liberal 
appropriation for schools and roads, was an earnest advocate of 
the new Town House and free library and the construction of 
the water works. In politics he was a Republican and a strong 
friend of temperance and prohibition, and was a total abstainer 
from the use of all intoxicating liquor and tobacco. He regarded 
the liquor saloon as the greatest curse of the town. He was 
a member of the Legislature in 1849 and 1850. Before the 
formation of the Free-soil Party he was a strong Anti-Slavery 
Whig. He was a member of the Evangelical Congregational 
Society, but not of the church, and paid liberally for its support, 
and was among the largest contributors of the new church build- 
ing and parsonage; also, of establishing the union fund for the 
support of the society. Mr. Seaver was married September 5, 
1833, to Miss Maria Mandell of Northboro'. She was sister of 
the late Mr. Mandell, of the large dry goods firm of Jackson, 
Mandell & Daniell. His wife died January 8, 1886. The fruit 
of thier union was five children. Three died in childhood. Mr. 
Geo. A. Seaver, a young man of promise, died in 1875. There 
is still living Miss Annie Seaver, who has always remained at 
home, tenderly caring for her parent, with the exception of a 
European tour in 1880." 

On September 5, 1887, the Northborough National Bank 
placed upon its records the following estimate of Mr. Seaver. 
Resolutions as a general thing are perfunctory — they are written 
as a matter of courtesy. But the present instance seems to be 
an exception. They breathe a spirit of genuine and heartfelt 
feeling engendered by a real loss. They read : 

"At a meeting held Monday, Sept, 5, 1887, to take action 



266 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

in regard to the death of our cashier, all the Directors were 
present. 

"It is our painful duty to record the death of our lamented 
cashier and friend, Mr. Abraham W. Seaver, which occurred 
Sept. 2, 1887. He was the last of the original members of this 
Institution, which was founded in 1854, serving as cashier from 
that time until his death, except the time between the years 
1875 and 1878, when he was president of the Wachusett National 
Bank of Fitchburg. 

"The manner in which he filled this position of honor and 
responsibility for nearly thirty years, proves the wisdom and 
foresight of the founders of this Bank, in selecting a man for 
cashier possessed of true traits of mind and character. 

"His judgment, integrity, uprightness, and Christian courtesy 
are accorded by all. He had not only the fullest confidence of 
all the members of this Institution, but of the community in 
which he held many positions of trust, faithfully and honorably. 
In his death we feel that we suffer an irreparable loss ; but his 
memory will ever be held by us with reverence and honor. 

"The following resolutions were then passed: 

"Whereas, God in his infinite wisdom, has seen fit to remove 
our friend and honored cashier, who, for more than thirty years 
has filled that position, 

"We desire to place upon our records an expression of our 
high appreciation of his character, and of our sense of loss. He 
was a man kindly in disposition and always courteous in his inter- 
course with his fellowmen. His acute and orderly mind, his 
long familiarity with financial concerns, inspired a confidence 
in his judgment that was never disappointed. Therefore, 

"Resolved, that we consider with unwonted sorrow, our loss, 
while we acknowledge full credit to Mr. Seaver in the manage- 
ment which has brought so much of success to this Bank, whose 
members, as well as the community, will ever hold him in grateful 
remembrance. 

"Resolved, that we offer our heartfelt sympathy to his 
daughter, Miss Anna M. Seaver, and desire the privilege of 
expressing our sorrow by attending his funeral. 

"Resolved, that these resolutions be entered upon the records 
of this Bank and that a copy be sent his daughter, Miss Anna 
M. Seaver, also to the Northhorough Farmer and Northborough 
Enter prize. 

"Samuel Wood, Clerk, pro tent." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 267 

The Hon. Thomas Rice died in May, 1888. He had held 
the office of president from February 8, 1880. 

Mr. Rice was succeeded in the presidency by Samuel Wood. 
He had been vice-president since February, 1880. He was 
elected clerk, September 14, 1887, in succession to Mr. Seaver. 
He was elected president June 13, 1888. Mr. Wood discharged 
the duties of this office until his sudden death in September, 
1898. He was succeeded by Mr. Potter. 

Ezra W. Chapin served the bank as vice-president from June, 
1888, till August 5, 1891, when he resigned. 

Charles O. Green succeeded Mr. Chapin as vice-president, 
serving from November 4, 1891 till January, 1904. 

Guilford P. Heath served as clerk from January, 1904 till 
January 1913, when he was succeeded by Ezra H. Bigelow. 

Noah Wadsworth was elected vice-president, January 10, 
1905, and has held that office ever since. 

WILLIAM J. POTTER 
William J. Potter's connection with the Northborough 
National Bank began on February 8 , 1 87 7 , on which date he entered 
its service as a clerk. On June 1, 1881, he was elected assistant 
cashier. Little did Mr. Potter think, nor could he think, when 
he entered upon the duties of clerk, that he was embarking upon 
a career of usefulness that should extend over a long period of 
years. Yet such was the case. He served as assistant cashier 
from 1881 to September, 1887, when he was unanimously elected 
cashier, in succession to Abraham W. Seaver who had died on 
the second day of that month. On September 14, that year, 
he was made a member of the Finance Committee, and on June 
30, 1888, he was elected, clerk. Ten years later, September 24, 
1898, the Directors voted "to invite Mr. Potter to be president." 
Upon consultation with Mr. Potter the Directors persuaded him 
that he was the man for the place, and on October 5, 1898, his 
resignation as cashier was accepted and his unanimous election 
to the presidency was affected. He was also made a director 
at this meeting. He faithfully discharged the duties of president 
until July 1, 1917, when he retired, to devote his attention to 
his personal affairs which had greatly multiplied in the meantime. 
Mr. Potter's connection with the Northborough National 
Bank extended over a period of forty years, a longer period than 
that of any other official ever connected with the institution. 
In the minds of people of the present generation Mr. Potter's 
name is synonymous with that of the Northborough Bank— they 
are never thought of apart. The reason for this is not simply 



268 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

that he was president of the bank for so many years, but that 
he was the friend and counselor of everybody in every stage of 
their financial difficulties. He counts everybody his friend, 
and everybody looks upon him as their friend. By reason of 
his connection with the bank, but more by reason of his natural 
aptiude, for many years he has been the one man in town 
whom people have appointed, in their last will and testament, 
to be the executor of their worldy estate. 

In addition to the above he has held many town offices; in 
fact, he has held one or more public offices ever since his twenty- 
first birthday; among which, may be mentioned the following: 
Town Treasurer from 1886 to 1898; and again. Town Treasurer 
from 1905 to 1911; Selectman from 1897 to 1902; Trustee of the 
Sinking Fund, 1885 to 1887, and from 1898 to 1899; Trustee of 
the Gale Fund from 1899; Trustee of Free Library, 1893; he has 
been Justice of the Peace from 1899 to the present time. In 1907 
he was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature. In March 
of the present year (1920), he was elected an Assessor. 

BECOMES A MEMBER OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE BANK 

The Federal Reserve Act, an Act relative to the banking insti- 
tutions of the country, became a law on the 23rd day of December, 
1913. Six days later, December 29, the Directors of the North- 
borough National Bank voted to accept the terms and provisions 
of this Act and to make application to the Secretary of the 
Treasury to become a member of the Federal Reserve Bank which 
this Act created. After the necessary formalities were complied 
with the following application for stock in said Bank was 
transmitted to the Reserve Bank Organization Committee at 
Washington, D. C. 

"At a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Northborough 
National Bank of Northborough, duly called and held on the 
23rd day of April, 1914, the following resolution was offered, 
seconded, and duly adopted: 

"Whereas, in accordance with Section II of the Act of 
Congress known as the Federal Reserve Act, approved on the 
23rd day of December, 1913. this bank duly notified the Reserve 
Bank Organization Committee of its intention to accept the 
provisions of the said Act and to subscribe to its proper propor- 
tion of the Captial Stock of the Federal Reserve Bank to be 
organized in this district. And 

"Whereas, notice has been received from the Comptroller 
of the Currency that according to the certificate filed by said 
Organization Committee with the Comptroller designating the 
several Federal Reserve cities, and defining the geographical 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 269 

limits of the districts to be respectively served by the Federal 
Reserve Banks located in such cities, this Bank is located in 
District No. 1, which District will be served by the Federal 
Reserve Bank of Boston. And 

"Whereas, six per cent of the unimpaired capital and surplus 
of this Association amounts to seven thousand and two hundred 
dollars; 

"Now, therefore. Be it Resolved, that the President, or Vice- 
president and Cashier of this bank be, and they are hereby 
authorized, empowered and directed to make application for, 
and to subscribe to, 72 shares of a par value of $100 each, of the 
Capital Stock of the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, now 
organizing, and to pay for such stock in accordance with the 
provisions of Section II of the said Federal Reserve Act as, and 
when called upon by the Reserve Bank Organization Committee, 
or by the Federal Reserve Board. 

"Pursuant to the foregoing resolution the Northborough 
National Bank of Northborough hereby subscribes to and makes 
application for 72 shares of the Capital Stock of the Federal 
Reserve Bank of Boston, of a par value of $100 each, amounting 
to $7200, and agrees to pay for same in accordance with the 
provisions of the Federal Reserve Act. 

"Northborough National Bank of Northborough, 

"By W. J. Potter, President. 
"Attest: 

"E. H. BiGELOw, Cashier.'' 

EZRA H. BIGELOW 

In closing this sketch of the Northborough National Bank, 
a word must be said concerning its present president — Ezra H. 
Bigelow. 

Mr. Bigelow's connection with the bank covers a period of 
twenty-six years. What was said on a previous page, concern- 
ing Mr. Potter, applies with equal truth to Mr. Bigelow. His 
name and the bank are synonymous terms. The present genera- 
tion in Northborough does not know the Northborough Bank 
apart from Mr. Bigelow. He entered it as a boy in 1895 and 
has grown up with it and in it. When, on October 5, 1898, 
Mr. Potter resigned as cashier to assume the duties of president, 
Mr. Bigelow was elected cashier to succeed him. And again, 
on June 28, 1917, when Mr. Potter resigned the presidency and 
retired to private life, Mr. Bigelow succeeded him to that high 
office. On January 12, 1915, he became a director; both of 
which offices — director and president — he now holds. 



270 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

As a recognition of their appreciation of his services the 
Directors presented Mr. Bigelow a beautiful silver loving cup 
on the 25th anniversary of his connection with the bank. 

Mr. Bigelow has been a servant of the public as well as a 
servant of the bank, serving the town in an official capacity in 
various ways: as Registrar for several years; as Town Treasurer 
five years; as Trustee of the Gassett Fund five years; as Trustee 
of the Gale and Wood Funds several years; and as Chairman of 
the Board of Selectmen from 1916 to 1921. (See also, "Liberty 
Bond Issues" in chapter on "Northborough in the World War.") 



BANK CLERKS FROM 1854 TO 1921 

George Gale, deceased. 

Wilder M. Bush, deceased. 

John L. Bailey, deceased. 

Francis E. Seaver, deceased. 

George A. Seaver, deceased. 

Henry L. Jewett, now with International Trust Co., Boston. 

Fred Rice, deceased. 

William Dryden, deceased. 

William J. Potter, ex-president of Northborough Bank. 

Francis E. Corey, now with Commonwealth Trust Co., 
Boston. 

Lambert Bigelow, deceased. 

Charles E. Proctor, with Waldo Bros., Boston. 

Charles E. Valentine, now with Commonwealth Trust Co., 
Boston. 

Ezra H. Bigelow, president of Northborough Bank. 

Raymond B. Potter, deceased. 

Norman B. Potter, now with Merchants' National Bank, 
Worcester. 

Carl E. Peinze, now assistant cashier at First National 
Bank, Douglas, Wyo. 

Martin H. Ryan, now head bookkeeper at Merchants' 
National Bank, Worcester. 

Rodney M. Leland, now assistant cashier, Northborough 
Bank. 

Gustaf H. Carlson, now teller at Merchants' National Bank, 
Worcester. 

Clara Maria Bigelow, present clerk. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



271 



PRESENT CONDITION OF THE BANK 

No. 1279 

(53-584) 

NORTHBOROUGH NATIONAL BANK, NORTHBOROUGH, MaSS. 

Statement of Condition, April 28th, 1921 



Resources 

Loans-Discounts $325,790.42 

U. S. Government bonds 119,338.89 

Stocks and Bonds 36,221.00 

Federal Res. Bank stock 4,500.00 

Real Estate 2,600.00 

Cash and Due from Banks 45,382.70 

5% Redemption Fund . 5,000.00 



Liabilities 

Capital Stock $100,000.00 

Surplus 50,000.00 

Undivided Profits . . . 19,176.48 

Circulation 93,700.00 

Ind. Deposits 275,771.03 

Dividends Unpaid ... 185.50 



Total $538,833.01 



Total $538,833.01 



CHAPTER XXIX 

MINISTERIAL COURTESY AND PROPRIETY 

The following correspondence is interesting as showing how 
ministers, a century ago, "stood on their rights." 

[Rev. Peter Whitney to Rev. Reuben Puffer, of Berlin.] 

"NoRTHBOROUGH, April 2 2d, 1801. 

"Dear Sir: — Since I saw you last (Sabbath evening) at Mr. 
Packard's, some things have taken place, which need, and must 
have an explanation, before any ministerial intercourse is 
renewed between us. 

"In the meantime, to prevent all future difficulty, I now tell 
you, plainly & explicitly, that if you wish to preserve the harmony 
which has, for so many years, happily subsisted between us; 
& to keep up that ministerial interchange of kind and brotherly 
offices which has, heretofore, been so much for our mutual ad- 
vantage, you must not presume, in any case or instance what- 
soever, to come within the limits of Northborough to perform 
any ministerial act or service, when I am at home, & able to 
perform the same. 

"I am, your friend & brother, 



"Peter Whitney. 



"Rev. Mr. Puffier." 



[Mr. Puffer to Mr. Whitney.] 

"Berlin, April 23d, 1801. 
"Rev. &. Dear Sir: — 

"The explanation you demand in your letter of yesterday, it 
was my determination to have given unasked, the first con- 
venient opportunity. 

"Last Saturday, Deacon Davis came to me with a request 
from Mrs. Ball to attend the funeral of her husband on the 
Monday following. I observed to him, that, previous to my 
answer, I must first know your sentiments respecting such a 
step. He informed me, that he had conversed with you on the 
subject, and that, on his proposing to you this question, 'Will 
Mr. Puffer's attending Mr. Ball's funeral create any difficulty 
betwix you and him?' your answer was, after some hesitation, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 273 

'No, not that I know of.' This by no means satisfied me; 
and I told the Deacon, that I doubted the propriety of my 
going, and desired him to return and urge Mrs. Ball, by every 
consideration, to send for you. This he agreed to do, first re- 
questing me to accompany him. Flattered with the hope of 
being the happy instrument of bringing to a conclusion a long- 
subsisting difficulty, I consented; but went with the full deter- 
mination of not attending on Monday, in case my arguments 
failed of the desired eft'ect. The conversation that took place 
was too lengthy to be detailed. Suffice it to say, that, after 
exhausting every topic of persuasion, to no purpose, I conveyed 
to Mrs. Ball in an oblique manner, and in the softest terms 
possible, a denial of her request. She fell into tears— said she 
wished not to involve me in difficulty — and that, if it must be 
so, she acquiesced in it as the will of Providence. In that im- 
pressive moment, I felt my resolution give way. Turning to 
Deacon Davis, I said to him, 'Is it your opinion, sir, from all 
the conversation you have had with Mr. Whitney, that my 
attending this funeral will cause him to be offended with me?' 
He directly answered, 'No.' I then consented to attend; first 
desiring that Mrs. Ball would invite you to be present, still 
entertaining the secret hope, that a friendly interview, especially 
on so solemn an occasion, might efface every unfavorable im- 
pression, and revive ancient friendship. 

"From this statement you will perceive, that nothing was 
further from my intentions than to grieve or offend you. Could 
I have foreseen that you would have viewed my conduct in the 
offensive light you do, no ordinary consideration should have 
prevailed with me to have gone into Northborough on such an 
occasion. Malignity toward you, I trust you will believe me 
when I say, I certainly had none. And if you think it a weak- 
ness in me to suffer myself to be overcome by a sight unusually 
affecting, I hope you will at least allow it to be a pardonable one. 

"And thus, sir, I have rendered you the explanation you ask. 
Whether satisfactory, or not, I must leave you to decide. 

"Respecting the latter part of your letter, I am unable to 
reply to it so fully as I could wish, till I know how far you 
extend the idea of 'any ministerial act or service.' A neighbor 
and parishoner of mine moves within the limits of Northborough. 
Sickness & death invade his family. I make him a visit on 
the occasion. This is a lower act of ministerial service. I 
converse with him, and offer him the consolation of the gospel. 
This is a further act of it. He earnestly requests me, his former 
minister, to pray with and for him in his affliction. This is a 
still higher act of it. Be pleased to let me know which, or 



274 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

whether all of these, fall within your meaning of ^any ministerial 
act or service,' which you 'plainly and explicitly' tell me, I 
'must not presume, in any case or instance whatsoever, to come 
within the limits of Northborough to perform.' Or, I have a 
son in Northborough: must I not 'presume' to pray with him, in 
case of sickness, till your permission is first obtained? Be 
assured. Sir, that no one will be more careful than I, 'to prevent 
all future difficulty'; but if you mean, by anything you have 
said, to place me in a singular and disadvantageous situation, I 
better know what becomes me as a man, and a Christian 
minister, than tamely to submit to it. In the meantime, I act 
on no principle which I will complain of in another. And 
therefore, though I shall not probably again 'come within the 
limits of Northborough,' on any occasion similar to that which 
has given you so much offence, yet I give you my free consent 
to 'come within the limits' of Berlin, for the purpose of perform- 
ing 'any ministerial act or service,' to which you may be invited, 
whether 'I am at home, and able to perform the same' or not, 

"As you have thought fit to suspend our 'ministerial inter- 
course,' till such time as a satisfactory 'explanation' of my con- 
duct shall be given, I have a right to expect that you will ex- 
plicitly inform me, whether you consider this communication 
in that light, or not; as in the latter case, I am determined to 
take measures to ascertain, whether I had your consent to 
attend Mr. Ball's funeral, or went without it. I am, Rev. and 
Dear Sir, respectfully yours, 

"Reuben Puffer. 
"Rev. Mr. Whitney" 



[Mr. Whitney to Mr. Puffer] 

"Northborough, April 27, 1801. 

"Dear Sir: — Your letter of the 23rd inst. I received next day, 
at evening in the midst of company ; and have had company till 
this morning, and then had sick to visit; & this afternoon, though 
I now have company, I think it expedient to make the following 
reply : 

"The explanation you have given is so far satisfactory as to 
operate for the renewal of our ministerial intercourse in any and 
every respect. 

"As a proof of this, I request you to attend my lecture on the 
Thursday after next (the 7th of May) & come in season to 
dine. I know not whose turn it will be to preach, as I mean to 
send to Mr. Sumner. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 275 

"As to the latter part of my letter to you of the 22d inst., 
you make some exceptions to my general, perhaps, universal 
proposition, to which I readily consent, as being not only, not 
improper, but very reasonable. 

"Perhaps you may think of some others hereafter, which you 
may suppose your duty as a man, & a Christian minister may 
lead you to make, but I shall reserve to myself the liberty to 
consider & receive any acts of yours in conformity to such ex- 
ceptions, as brotherly or otherwise, according to existing cir- 
cumstances: nothing doubting, however, from what you say, 
that your prudence & caution will lead you to avoid everything 
which might grieve or offend a weak brother. I am. Sir, your 

friend & brother, 

"Peter Whitney. 

"Rev. Mr. Puffer." 

The above episode was a sequel to something that had gone 
before. A bitter feud had long existed between the Ball family 
and the Rev. Peter Whitney. The story of the feud is told in 
a letter of Rev. Warren Fay, D.D., to the late George C. Davis. 
Mr. Davis was a grandson of John Ball, Sr., and great-grandson 
of James Ball. James Ball died in 1756. His widow survived 
him many years and died at the age of ninety-two. The story 
in the following letter concerns itself with Mrs. Ball's funeral. 
The letter reads : 

"My Dear Sir:— 

"In compliance with your request, I give what I believe to 
be a true history of some singular, and what seemed to us, 
strange facts in regard to your maternal ancestors. Your 
honored grandfather, John Ball, Sr., was a member of the 
church in Northborough of which the Rev. Peter Whitney became 
the second pastor. 

"Mr. Whitney assumed the power and authority, without 
the consent or action of the church, as I am informed, to alter 
the church covenant, which had been adopted before his settle- 
ment and by which the members had bound themselves. This 
your grandfather thought to be undue assumption of power, 
unprecedented and wrong. After more consultation and re- 
monstrance he withdrew and absented himself. Mr. Whitney 
then induced the church to inflict some censure upon your 
grandfather. After all this your grandfather proposed to 
meet Mr. Whitney before any impartial tribunal and have an 
investigation and an adjustment of all difficulties, saying he 
was willing to do whatever was right for a conciliation. 



276 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"I understand that to do this Mr. Whitney persistently 
objected, and said that he intended to bring Mr. Ball to terms. 
This position Mr. Whitney maintained, and Mr. Ball ceased to 
attend on his ministry. 

"Thus they stood in reference to each other when your great- 
grandmother (whose maiden name was Sarah Harrington) 
died at the home of your Grandfather Ball, where she had spent 
her married life and by whom she had been cared for to the very 
great age of more than ninety years. She died in the spring 
of 1801. Your grandfather invited the Rev. Mr. Fairbanks of 
Boylston to officiate at the funeral, but did not invite Mr. 
Whitney. However, Mr. Whitney and wife started for the 
funeral, but having got stuck in the mud on the way, did not 
arrive until Mr. Fairbanks was about to offer prayer. Mr. 
W'hitney took Mr. Fairbanks aside and absolutely forbade his 
offering prayer. And Mr. Ball, under these circumstances, 
and after these wanton and unprecedented interferences, did 
not wish for the services of Mr. Whitney. Thus they went to 
the interment without any funeral services. 

"Mr. W^hitney proposed offering prayer in the church after 
the burial, and invited all who would to attend. Your Grand- 
mother Ball asked her husband, on leaving the cemetery, if she 
should attend. Mistaking the negative for the affirmative 
reply, she went into the church — which she afterwards deeply 
regretted — as her feelings were very much wounded. 

"Mr. Whitney never had any ministerial intercourse with 
Mr. Fairbanks after this strange scene." 

That the W^hitney-Ball feud was not continued indefinitely 
is attested by an item in Dr. Stephen Ball's memorandum book. 
Under the head of "Gifts," he records one of $100 "to the Rev. 
Peter Whitney." This would seem to indicate that he harbored 
no animosity on account of the unpleasant episode at his grand- 
mother's funeral. 

Deacon Jonathan Livermore, the centenarian, died shortly 
after the above-mentioned incident. His first wife was sister 
of James Ball, Sr. The Balls would not have Mr. Whitney 
officiate at the funeral, but invited Dr. Puffer instead. Dr. 
Puffer respectfully declined, and it is related that the good deacon 
was buried without obsequies. 

The following humorous incident is interesting in this con- 
nection. It may or may not be true, but it is hard to "down" 
a tradition: 




THE DEACON JONATHAN LR'ERMORE HOUSE, BALL HILL, BUILT 1725 




THE DR. BALL HOMESTEAD^NOW THE MRS. SARAH SEARLE HOUSE 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 277 

There were two men in Mr. Whitney's congregation (one 
of whom was Mr. Ball) who were bitter enemies. It happened 
that these two men were on opposite sides of the political fence. 
One Sunday, Mr. Whitney took it into his head to preach a 
political sermon; and being a man of independent mind and of 
forceful speech, he naturally expounded his own view of the 
political situation. His view coincided with that of one of 
these men, but was utterly opposed to that of Mr. Ball. Both 
these men were in the congregation. Mr. Ball endured the 
sermon as long as he could. But finally, reaching the end of 
his endurance, he arose from his seat, scuffed down the aisle 
and left the church, slamming the door behind him. After the 
service, the other man went up to Mr. Whitney and congratu- 
lated him, saying, "Well parson, I always knew you were a 
pretty good follower of the Master, but I never knew until 
today that you possessed the power 'to cast out devils.'" 

Referring to the Whitney-Puffer incident, it would appear 
that their differences were speedily adjusted, for on May 7, 
Mr. Puffer preached the sermon at the Thursday Lecture in North- 
borough, and on June 14 the two men exchanged pulpits. 



CHAPTER XXX 

BIOGRAPHY 
JOHN BRIGHAM 

The following is quoted from Dr. Allen's "History of North- 
borough," pages 24 and 25: 

"John Brigham was one of three brothers (John, Samuel, and 
Thomas), who came from Sudbury to Marlborough some time 
previous to 1672. Their father was from England, married a 
Mercie Hurd, also from England; settled in Sudbury, where he 
died, probably in middle life, as his widow had buried a second 
husband by the name of Hunt, before her sons removed to Marl- 
borough. Samuel Brigham was the grandfather of the late 
Dr. Samuel Brigham of Marlborough; Thomas was an ancestor 
of the late Judge Brigham, of Westborough; and John, who had 
sometimes been called Doctor Brigham, was the father of Mrs. 
Mary Fay, wife of Gershom Fay, of whose remarkable escape 
from the Indians we shall presently give an account. John 
Brigham was one of the selectmen of Marlborough in 1679, and 
in the winter of 1689-90 representative to the convention 
then sitting in Boston. The Coram Farm was granted to him, 
it is said, by the General Court to compensate him for services 
as a surveyor of lands. Mr. Brigham lived to be quite aged, and 
used to come to reside with his daughter, Mrs. Fay, in this 
town." 

He was the first settler of Northborough. 

For further notice concerning him and his mill, see the early 
part of chapter "Early Industries of Northborough." 

DEACON JONATHAN LIVERMORE 

One of the names that appear most frequently during the 
first half century of Northborough history is that of Jonathan 
Livermore. He was one of the early settlers of the town and 
during his long life bore a conspicuous part in its affairs. He 
was born in Watertown, Mass., August 16, 1700, the son of 
Jonathan and Rebecca (Barnes) Livermore, and grandson of 
Samuel and Anna (Bridge) Livermore. He married Abigail 
Ball, daughter of James and Elizabeth (Fisk) Ball, June 23, 1723. 
They removed to Northborough (then Westborough) in 1727, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 279 

and built a house on Ball Hill. Mrs. Livermore's two brothers, 
James and Nathan Ball, also lived on Ball Hill, the hill receiving 
its name from them. Mrs. Livermore died on her birthday 
anniversary, June 5, 1775, aged 73 years. 

Five months afterwards, November 16, 1775, the deacon 
married a second wife, Mrs. Jane Dunlap, late of Milton, and 
soon regretted it; for, if we may judge from certain letters she 
addressed to the church, she led the good deacon a pretty 
strenuous life. In the above-mentioned letters she demanded 
that the good offices of the church be withheld from the deacon 
until such time as he treated her as a Christian man ought to 
treat his wife. 

The deacon's unhappy marital relations did not work to the 
detriment of his physical health, however, for he lived to the 
ripe old age of one hundred years and nearly seven months. 
He died April 21, 1801. 

It is recorded of him that, on his hundredth birthday he 
mounted his horse, rode to town to attend a military muster, 
and then rode home again, a distance of nearly three miles. It 
is also related of him, that, at the above-mentioned muster "he 
started to ride over the lines but was challenged by the guard. 
But the colonel of the regiment coming up, gave him leave to go, 
saying that a man one hundred years old ought to be allowed to 
go where he pleased." Rev. A. A. Livermore, D.D., one of the 
deacon's descendants, writing to Dr. Allen in 1866, said (speak- 
ing of the deacon), "Mr. Sawyer of Bolton, told me that when 
a boy about eight years old, he saw Deacon Livermore, then 
one hundred years of age, at the funeral of a friend in Bolton, 
to which he had ridden on horseback." 

Jonathan Livermore was made Deacon of the Church at the 
time of its organization in 1746, and held that honorable office 
until 1782, when he resigned. When the north part of West- 
borough was made a precinct in 1744, he was made clerk of the 
new precinct — thus he was the first town clerk of Northborough. 
He held the position of precinct clerk from 1744 to 1750; 1754, 
1755, 1763, 1764. He was a member of the precinct committee 
(corresponding to selectman) in 1744; was assessor 1744-48, 
1750-52, 1754-55, 1762-64. In 1779 he was a representative to 
the State Convention. 

Deacon Livermore died, as has been said, April 21, 1801. 
His will, dated May 24, 1799, was allowed by judge of probate, 
May 5, 1801. Section eight of that instrument shows him to 
have been a loyal American, and that he regarded America as 
the best country on earth. It reads: "I give to my grandson, 



280 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Calvin Rice, late of Northborough, now of Canada, within the 
dominion of the King of Great Britain, sixty-six dollars, sixty- 
six cents and seven mills, to be paid to him within seven years 
after my decease, without interest, on condition that he quit the 
kingdom of Great Britain and return with his family to spend 
the remainder of his days within the limits of the United States 
of America, a land of liberty and good government. Otherwise 
it is not to be paid to said Calvin, but to revert to, and become 
the property of my executors hereafter named."* 

Deacon Livermore's son, Jonathan, born December 6, 1729, 
was graduated from Harvard College in 1760, became the minis- 
ter of Wilton, N. H., in 1763, married Elizabeth Kidder. From 
them are descended the Livermores of Wilton. 

Dr. Allen, in his "History of Northborough," says of Deacon 
Livermore, "he possessed uncommon learning for his time, was 
an accurate surveyor, and an excellent penman, owing to which 
circumstance, the early records of the town appear in a remark- 
ably fine state." 

CAPTAIN BEZALEEL EAGER 

Inquiry is frequently made concerning what seems to be a 
gravestone, by the roadside on the "Plains Road" to Shrewsbury 
(from Cobb's Bridge), not far from the Davis mansion, bearing 
this inscription: "Capt. Bezaleel Eager was killed on this spot 
Oct. 31, 1787, aged 74. Erected by I. Davis." 

It is not a gravestone marking the resting place of Captain 
Eager, but, as the inscription says, it identifies the spot where 
he was killed. The story of the incident is told in Isaiah 
Thomas's magazine (published in Worcester in 1787), and is as 
follows : 

"Died in Northborough Oct. 31, very suddenly, in the 74th 
year of his age, Capt. Bezaleel Eager, formerly a representative 
for the town of Westborough in the General Court. He was a 
person well known, and as well respected, and his death is much 
lamented. He was a sensible, honest, worthy man, and has 
left behind him a fair character and a good name. 

"The manner of his death was as follows: Retiring from a 
lecture [held at a house near by], he mounted his horse in the 
view of a number of people; but not being properly seated, and 
not having full possession of the bridle — as was supposed — his 
horse, lively and gay, immediately set out upon a run, and threw 
him against a stone wall, whereby his brains were instantly 

*My beloved grandson, Thomas Keyes. (Calvin Rice was a son of Asa Rice, who mar- 
ried a daughter of Deacon Livermore). 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 281 

dashed out, perhaps not more than twenty rods from where he 
first mounted. Several persons ran to him as he fell, but dis- 
covered not the least sign of life in him, except the motion of 
the lungs, which continued nearly an hour; and then he expired, 
— probably without any sense of pain, as it was without the 
least motion of any limb or part of the body." 

Captain Bezaleel Eager was born December 22, 1713, while 
Northborough and Westborough were yet a part of Marlborough. 
He married Persis Ward, a sister of General Artemas Ward of 
Shrewsbury, and lived on the place recently owned by Charles 
A. Davis, near the Shrewsbury line. He was a lieutenant in 
the French and Indian W^ars, and a captain in the Revolutionary 
War (probably of General Artemas Ward's staff). He was 
active in town affairs, serving as Precinct Committee in 1745-46; 
1750-57; 1759-64; as precinct treasurer, 1745-52; as select- 
man, 1766; 1768-75; as town clerk, 1770. He also served as 
representative to the General Court for the years 1760 and 1761. 

THE THREE DRS. BALL 

The "Ball" family has been identified with Northborough 
ever since the early days of the eighteenth century. They were 
descended from John Ball who came from England in the early part 
of the seventeenth century. "He was admitted freeman in 1650, 
and died some time between 1653 and 1655. John's son, Nathan, 
settled in Concord; Joseph was killed by Indians at Lancaster in 
1675; and John, Jr., who was a tailor by trade, lived in Water- 
town. John Jr., was twice married — first to Elizabeth Pierce, 
second, to Eliza Fox. From this second marriage came the third 
John Ball. This last-named John was a weaver by trade. He 
married Sarah Bullard, daughter of George and Beatrice Bullard 
of Watertown, and had seven children. One son, James, who 
like his father was a weaver, married Elizabeth Fisk and reared 
a family of eight children. Two of these eight children, Nathan 
and James, came to Northborough about the year 1720, and 
settled on Ball Hill. From them. Ball Hill took its name.* 
James Ball died in 1756 at the age of 61 yrs." 

Dr. Stephen Ball (the first Stephen) was a son of James and 
Sarah (Harrington) Ball, and was born in 1735. In 1765 he 
married Mary Fairbanks, of Lancaster. He is known in North- 
borough history as the first physician that the town ever had; 
but where and how he obtained the title of Doctor we are not 
informed. There was no medical school in the country entitled 

*We are indebted to Dr. Henry J. Barnes, a lineal descendant from the Balls, for much 
of the information contained in this sketch. 



282 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

to grant the degree until 1779, and Dr. Ball at that time was 
forty-four years old. Says Dr. Barnes: "He might have been 
apprenticed to a physician possessing the degree; or more likely, 
experience in the care of the sick resulted in the title being con- 
ferred by appreciative beneficiaries." 

After his marriage Dr. Ball lived on the estate for many 
years known as the "Ball Tavern," about a mile out on the 
Worcester road (now known as "The Gables"). The Ball 
Tavern was a well-known hostelry for many years, under the 
management of Jonas, Dr. Stephen's son. It was known for 
miles around for its ballroom, a large room with arched ceiling 
and spring floor. It was also used as the Masonic lodge room of 
Fredonia Lodge from the time of its organization in 1811 till 
its disbandment in about 1832. 

Dr. Ball took his part in the political life of the town having 
served as selectman three years, 1772, 1773 and 1783; as assessor, 
1781 and as overseer, 1787. In 1773 he was one of the Com- 
mittee of Correspondence. 

Dr. Stephen Ball and Mary Fairbanks were the parents of 
nine children. 

Mary, who married Dr. Samuel Brigham of Boylston (pay- 
master in Washington's Army in 1777). 

Stephen, the second Dr. Ball. 

Sarah, who died in infancy. 

A second Sarah, who married Charles (or Chesley) Howe. 

James, who lived only three years. 

Jonas, who kept the Ball Tavern. 

A second James 

Abel, who married Sally, daughter of Abraham Monroe. 

Nahum, who married Lucy Wyman. 

Dr. Ball died, October 17, 1798, in the house east of the library, 
now occupied by Mrs. Sarah Searle. His gravestone in the 
churchyard contains this inscription: "Dr. Ball was the first 
Physician of the town of Northborough, who died instantly in 
a fit of the apoplex." 

THE SECOND DR. STEPHEN BALL 

He was the son of Stephen, the first. At the age of thirty- 
two years when he was generally spoken of as "an old bachelor," 
he married Lydia Lincoln, of Hingham, age nineteen years. 
This interesting story of how he met his bride-to-be is told by 
Mrs. Edith Searle Maynard, his granddaughter. She says: 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 283 

"We have the interesting little story in our family, of the first 
meeting of our grandparents — how Dr. Ball came out of his 
side door one fine day, to take, as usual, his horse and yellow 
gig (so well remembered by old residents of the town) ; how he 
stepped to the old poplar tree, which even within my remem- 
brance stood close to our sitting-room window, and untied the 
reins from a ring attached to said tree. Just then his eye caught 
sight of two people passing on the opposite side of the street 
One of them he recognized as living in the house then standing 
on the site of the present Wadsworth house; the other, a sweet- 
faced maid whom he knew did not belong in Northborough. 

"Watching those two enter the opposite house, some strange 
prompting bade him refasten his horse, and then, lost in thought, 
our grandfather went into the house. Soon he came out again; 
but it was not Dobbin and the yellow gig which claimed his 
attention — instead, with some 'thought-up errand,' this digni- 
fied physician walked into his neighbor's house across the street 
— a liberty which to the physician of that period was ever 
granted — and so our grandfather and our grandmother first 
met — and later, married — a marriage that for fifty years was 
happily lived together." 

The new bride proved to be a remarkable woman. She 
possessed considerable musical talent for those early days, and 
her husband bought for her the first piano that ever came into 
Northborough.* 

It is also related of her that she carried the first umbrella 
ever seen in town. Dr. Barnes relates that "horses jumped and 
reared at the sight of Mrs Ball's 'portable penthouse' which a 
dictionary of the age called them, and she was told to 'shut 
down that thing; shut it down!'" 

Dr. Ball, the second, is described by Mrs. Forbes in her little 
book, "The Hundredth Town," as being "a stout man with a 
short neck, wearing, in winter, a yellow fur hat, much larger at 
the top than at the bottom, including even the inch-wide brim; 
and in summer, a plain straw, painted drab . . . and it was a 
common remark that any one passing Dr. Ball in the night 
could recognize him by the odor of the drugs exhaled from his 
old gig. He was a quiet man, never very merry, sorrowful, nor 
angry, with a gentle, 'softly' way with his patients." 

Dr. Ball was a well-known physician in this whole neighbor- 
hood, having patients as far away as Leicester on the west and 
Framingham on the east. And, says Dr. Barnes, "he was the 

*It is now in the possession of the Northboroujh Historical Society, a gift from Mrs 
Ball's daughter, Mrs. Sarah Searle. 



284 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

preceptor of a number of medical students who sought his in- 
struction, for which he received from $100 to $125 a year; which 
probably included their board. Among his students he records 
the name of Jesse Brigham, James King (1801), Levi Brigham 
(1805), Rubin Washburn (1806), Lincoln Hart (1808), Calvin 
Lamb and George Sargent (1811), John Andrews (1812), Joseph 
Bullard, Stephen Ball, and Henry Barnes, who married his 
daughter, Elizabeth." 

Mention has been made of Dr. Ball's yellow gig. He used 
it for a long time, but in the natural course of events it became 
dilapidated and grated harshly on the ears of the townspeople. 
If it be true, as the old proverb has it, that "Coming events cast 
their shadows before," then Dr. Ball's coming was always heralded 
by the rattling of the wheels of his gig. It is related that Squire 
Stowe, out of consideration for the nerves of Northborough, 
once went to Dr. Ball's barn after dark with a monkey wrench 
and tightened the nuts of the axle-tree of the offending gig. 

Dr. Ball practiced medicine for about fifty-four years. His 
practice netted him about $1000 a year. But when we consider 
that his fees were twenty-five cents for an office patient and 
thirty-seven and one-half cents for a visit, it would seem that his 
practice was very large. 

Dr Ball had other irons in the fire. He established and 
carried on the first apothecary business in Northborough, and 
he taught young men that business. At one time he carried on 
a shoe business (the manufacture of morocco shoes) ; and at 
another time he carried on a millinery business. And, as though 
this were not enough to occupy his time, he also carried on ex- 
tensive farming interests. He also built the grist-mills at what 
is now known as Smith's Mills. 

The third Dr. Stephen Ball was a son of the second Stephen. 
He was educated at Dr. Allen's Home School, Leicester Academy 
and Harvard Medical School. He built the brick house on 
Main Street (west of the library), now occupied by Miss Emma 
A. Barnes and Dr. Henry J. Barnes, his grandchildren. 

Thus for two centuries has the Ball family been identified 
with the life of Northborough. 

COLLEGE MEN 

The following list of college-bred men (except the last name 
and some dates which were added by Dr. Allen) was compiled 
by Rev. Peter Whitney. It is a comparatively long list for a 
small town in those early days: 

Jonathan Livermore, son of Deacon Jonathan Livermore 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 285 

was graduated from Harvard College in 1760. He settled in the 
ministry at Wilton, N. H., where he died in 1809 in his eightieth 
year. 

Ebenezer Rice was graduated from Harvard in 1760. He 
took up his residence in Marlborough where he was a physician 
for many years; later, he moved to Barre, Mass., where he died. 

Jacob Rice was graduated from Harvard in 1765. He entered 
the ministry and settled in Henniker, N. Y., as the first minister 
of that town. He was dismissed on account of ill health, but 
later settled at Brownfield, Maine, where he died suddenly on 
Sunday, February 1, 1824, soon after preaching the morning 
sermon. 

Elijah Brigham was educated at Dartmouth College where 
he was graduated in 1778. He studied law but never practiced 
it; engaged in business in Westborough, was a member of 
the Massachusetts House of Representatives, 1791-93; was 
justice of the Court of Common Pleas, 1795-1811; was state 
senator, 1796, 1798, 1801-05, 1807-10; was state counselor, 
1799, 1800, 1806; was elected to Congress as a Federalist and 
served from 1811 to 1816. He died in Washington, February 
2, 1816. 

John Taylor was graduated from Harvard in 1786, and 
settled in Northampton where he practiced law. He also was 
a representative to the General Court. 

Peter Whitney, son of Rev. Peter Whitney, was graduated 
from Harvard in 1791. Was assistant preceptor of Derby Acad- 
emy at Hingham for a few years, and in 1800 was settled as the 
minister of Quincy, Mass. 

Henry Gassett was educated at Harvard College, from which 
institution he was graduated in 1795. He engaged in business 
in Boston where for many years he was a prominent merchant. 
He was born on East Main Street in what is known as the 
"Esquire Clark House." He was the donor of the "Gassett 
Fund." 

Israel Monroe was graduated from Harvard College in 1800; 
studied law and set up in the practice thereof in the town of 
Boston. 

Warren Fay was graduated from Harvard College in 1807. 
Was ordained, and installed as the minister of Brimfield in the 
following year. 

Luther Rice was graduated from Williams College in 1810. 
He was one of the first missionaries from America to foreign 
parts. He was the founder of Columbian College (now George 
Washington University) in W^ashington, D.C. Died in 1836. 



286 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

John Davis was graduated from Yale College in 1812. Was 
a prominent lawyer in Worcester for many years; Governor of 
Massachusetts, member of Congress, and United States Senator. 

Isaac Davis, son of Phineas Davis, was graduated at Brown 
University in 1822. Was a prominent lawyer in Worcester. 

JUDAH MONIS 

We seldom see anyone wandering around in our old church- 
yard. Yet it is worth visiting, for it contains at least one grave- 
stone of rare interest — that of Rabbi Judah Monis, the first 
Christian Jew in North America. An occasional visitor comes 
to see it; but we fear that it is entirely unknown to most of our 
townspeople. A slight sketch of Judah Monis's life might not, 
therefore, be out of place in this history. 

There is some uncertainty as to Mr. Monis's birthplace. One 
authority places it in Algiers, another in Italy. But be that 
as it may, Judah Monis was born in 1683, and soon after that 
date his family was living in Italy. The New England Courant, 
of April 2, 1722, says that he was educated "in the Jewish Acade- 
mies of Leghorn and Amsterdam." He was of Sephardic stock 
and was educated "in the strict training of the pious Jews." 

In 1716 we find him in New York where he was admitted a 
freeman by the Mayor and Common Council. In 1720 he was 
settled in Boston. In that year Harvard College gave him the 
degree of M.A., and in 1722 made him instructor of Hebrew, 
which position he held forty years. 

He published a Hebrew Grammar in 1735 which for many 
years was used as a college text book. It was printed in Boston 
by Jonas Green. 

He translated into Hebrew, the Creed, the Lord's Prayer, the 
Thirty-nine Articles of the Church of England, and the Assem- 
bly's Shorter and Larger Catechisms. 

As a side light upon the ability of Judah Monis as a teacher 
we quote a line or two from the "History of the Town of Bille- 
rica." Of one of the early ministers of that town, Rev. Henry 
Commings, it is said, "he was considered a fine Hebrew scholar, 
having been taught while in college by a Jew who took unmeas- 
ured pains with a small class to perfect them in the language he 
loved, and took great pride in their success." 

Another evidence of Monis's ability as a teacher is the fact 
that we have already stated, he held his position forty years. 

An event of very great importance in his life took place in 
1722. He became an apostate. Born and reared after the 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 287 

Strictest manner of the Jews, he gave up his Hebrew reHgion 
and embraced Christianity. He was pubHcly baptized on March 
27, 1722. We may well suppose that it was an illustrious audi- 
ence that assembled in the College Hall to witness the Christian 
baptism of the well-known Jewish rabbi. To the Rev. Ben- 
jamin Colman, pastor of one of the Boston churches fell the 
honor of preaching the sermon (his text was John v, 46), and 
to the Rev. Nathaniel Appleton, pastor of the First Parish in 
Cambridge, fell the honor of baptizing him. 

Immediately after the baptism, Mr. Monis delivered a 
carefully prepared address on "The Truth," in which he ad- 
dressed his Jewish brethren. In the same year (1722) he pub- 
lished this address, together with two more with separate title 
pages; the titles of the three being, "The Truth," The "Whole 
Truth," and "Nothing but the Truth." The volume also con- 
tained Mr. Colman's sermon.* 

Increase Mather, the famous Boston divine who wrote the 
preface to this volume, was so impressed by the sincerity of 
Monis's apologia, that he said in his preface, "The Conversion of 
Mr. Monis to Christianity is an effect of Divine Grace. The 
Truth and Reality of this Conversion appear in what is here 
Exhibited, in that he has notably confuted the Jews, from the 
Scriptures in the Old Testament, which they pretend to believe. 
. . . There is no cause to fear that Mr. Monis will renounce his 
Christianity, since he did it Voluntarily and Gradually, and 
with much Consideration, from the Scriptures in the Old Testa- 
ment. God grant that he (who is the first Jew that I ever knew 
Converted in New England) may prove a blessing unto many, 
and especially to some of his own nation." 

On January 18, 1724, Judah Monis married Miss Abigail 
Marrett of Cambridge. John Martyn, Northborough's first 
minister, married a Miss Marrett, too. The two wives were 
sisters; and Martyn and Monis therefore became brothers-in- 
law. They had previously formed a close friendship in college-;- 
the former as student, the latter as instructor. Mrs. Monis 
died in 1761, and Judah came to Northborough (then a precinct 
of Westborough), to live with his friend and brother-in-law. In 
this way this famous Jewish scholar became associated with 
Northborough. 

At the time of his coming to Northborough Mr. Monis 
was a venerable man, full of years and honor. It was because 
of these facts and because they felt honored by the presence of 
such a distinguished man in their midst that the precinct did 

♦Mrs. Harriet H. Johnson of this town owns a copy of this book. 



288 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

what it could to honor him. There was not much it could do, 
but what it did it did gladly. It voted that "Mr. Judah Monis 
should be seated in the foor (fore) seat below." 

"The fore seat below" was the seat of honor in the Meeting- 
house; and as Dr. Allen says, "with his three-cornered hat, and 
stave and enormous shoe buckles he must have made quite an 
imposing appearance as he came in to take his seat." 

Mr. Monis did not live long in his retirement, however, and 
passed away on April 25, 1764. He was buried in the old church- 
yard and his quaint slate gravestone remains to this day the 
Mecca of many strangers who visit Northborough every year. 

We transcribe the inscription: 

"Here lies buried the Remains of Rabbi Judah Monis, late 
Hebrew instructor at Harvard College in Cambridge in which 
office he continued 40 years. He was by Birth and Religion a 
Jew but embraced the Christian Faith and was publickly bap- 
tized at Cambridge, A. D. 1722 and departed this life April 25, 
1764 Aged 81 years 2 months and 21 days. 

"A native branch of Jacob see. 

Which, once from off its olive broke, 
Regrafted in the living tree, Rom. xi, 17-24 
Of the surviving sap partook. 

"From teeming Zion's fertile womb, Isa. 65-8 
As dewy drops in early morn, Ps. ex, 3 
As rising bodies from the tomb, John v, 28-29 
At once be Israel's nation born. Isa. 66-8" 

In his will Mr. Monis gave to the church for its communion 
service, a silver tankard and a silver cup. The tankard was 
melted and two cups made from it in 1811. All three cups are 
still in existence. 

REV. LUTHER RICE* 
Missionary and Educator 
The name. Rice, has been a familiar one in Northborough 
throughout the entire course of its history; and even before 
Northborough had a history the name was well known in this 
neighborhood, for Edmund Rice, the founder of the family name, 
was one of the earliest settlers of Sudbury, who, in 1656, peti- 
tioned the Great and General Court "that you would be pleased 

♦The author has drawn freely upon an unpublished "Life of Luther Rice," by Rev. 
Charles Stanley Pease, formerly pastor of the Baptist Church of Northborough. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 289 

to grant unto us eight square miles, or so much land as may 
containe to eight miles square, for to make a plantation." 
The petition was complied with, and the grant for many years 
was known as the "Marlborough Plantation." It included the 
present city of Marlborough, and the towns of Southborough, 
Westborough, Northborough and Hudson. The Rice families 
settled in all these towns, wherein, from 1656 to the present 
time they have borne a conspicuous part in their development. 

It is one of the strange ironies of fate that one of the most 
conspicuous members of that family is least known in the town 
where he was born; and this, notwithstanding the fact that 
there is a printed biography of him in the town library. This 
is doubtless due to his leaving town at an early age and never 
returning, save for one or two flying visits. 

Luther Rice was the son of Amos, and was of the sixth genera- 
tion from Edmund, the founder of the name. He was born in 
Northborough, March 25, 1783, in a small "lean-to" house, on 
what is locally known as "Lovers' Lane." The house remained 
until about twenty years ago (1900), when from long disuse, it 
fell into decay and was taken down. The present house of Mr. 
Worsfold stands on its site. He was a younger brother of 
ASAPH RICE (he always wrote his name in capitals), who was 
as WELL known as Luther was UNknown. An intimate 
friendship existed between these two brothers, and as long as 
Luther lived they carried on a confidential correspondence. 

The life-work of the man was presaged in the inclinations of 
the boy. He early developed a deep interest in religion, united 
with the church at nineteen years of age, and at the suggestion 
of a neighboring minister, began to prepare himself for the work 
of the ministry. This plan seems not to have met with the ap- 
proval of his father, and he was therefore obliged to support 
himself during these years of preparation. He spent three years 
at the Leicester Academy, supporting himself by conducting a 
music school in the evenings, and by teaching school during the 
vacations. 

Upon his graduation from the academy he entered Williams 
College, in October, 1807. Williams College was a long way 
from home, had been recently established, and offered unusual 
inducements to students of limited means. At the college he 
made the acquaintance of Samuel J. Mills, a student who was 
destined to make his mark in the religious world. Mills was the 
leader of the "Haystack Prayer-meeting," a prayer-meeting 
that was destined to become famous, because of what resulted 
from it. The idea of sending missionaries to heathen lands was 
seriously debated by those young students. 



290 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

This famous prayer-meeting took place in 1806, the year 
before Rice entered the college. But when he arrived upon the 
scene he immediately associated himself with that group of 
missionary enthusiasts, who, early in the fall of 1808 "formed the 
now famous society of 'Brethren' for the cultivation of a mission- 
ary spirit and the furtherance of their missionary aims. In this 
organization Rice was a charter member, his name standing 
fifth among the signers of the constitution, as follows: Samuel 
J. Mills, Ezra Fisk, James Richards, John Seward, Luther Rice 
. . . the object of the society, as concisely stated in the consti- 
tution, was 'to effect in the persons of its members a mission, 
or missions, to the heathen.'" And, as the Rev. Charles S. 
Pease continues, "it was the first society of its kind to be or- 
ganized on this continent." 

From Williams College Rice went to the Theological School 
at Andover, where he had as classmates several young men who 
had been his intimates at Williams. In addition to these was 
a young man from Brown University whose name (and that of 
his noble wife) is spoken with reverence whenever and wherever 
the subject of missionaries is discussed — Adoniram Judson. 

The society of "Brethren" was reorganized at Andover and 
Rice was made president. Membership was limited to those 
who pledged themselves to go out as foreign missionaries. But 
there were no foreign missionary societies in America to whom 
they could offer their services. So they made overtures to the 
London Missionary Society. At this stage, they made their 
plans known to certain professors of the Theological School who 
advised them to submit their plans to the General Association 
of Massachusetts which was about to convene at Bradford. 

This was accordingly done. Their case was referred to a 
committee who reported in favor of the creation of a Board of 
Commissioners for Foreign Missions. 

Thus arose the first foreign missionary society in this country; 
and Northborough played a conspicuous part in it. 

Luther Rice, Adoniram Judson, Gordon Hall, Samuel Nott, 
Jr., and Samuel Newell were appointed missionaries and were 
ordained to the Christian ministry at the Tabernacle Congre- 
gational Church in Salem, February 6, 1812, in the presence 
of a large and solemn congregation. 

Some of these men, with their wives, sailed from Salem, 
February 19; others, including Rice, sailed from Philadelphia, 
February 20. These were the first missionaries to foreign parts 
ever to sail from America. The Philadelphia party reached 
Calcutta, India, August 10, having consumed nearly six months 
on their voyage. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 291 

An event of great importance to the Baptist denomination 
took place soon after Rice's arrival in India. On his voyage 
over, he had as fellow-passengers, two English Baptist mission- 
aries who were bound for the same destination. Naturally, 
they discussed theology. Long before they reached India, Rice 
had begun to have serious doubts as to the validity of the method 
of baptism as practiced by the Congregational order to which 
he belonged. And after he reached India he discovered that 
his friend Judson (who had arrived six weeks before) had already 
changed his views on the same subject. Both these young men 
were strong-minded, and independent in their thinking; and it 
is not to be supposed that either of them would, or could, change 
his theological views except after a desperate struggle. But 
both of them did. Rice was baptized in the Lall Bazar Baptist 
Mission, Calcutta, November 1, 1812. 

Previously to which, however, he had written the following 
letter to Rev. Dr. Worcester of Salem, the Secretary of the 
American Board, acquainting him with his change of views: 

"The solemn and important ordinance of Christian baptism 
has presented itself to my mind in such an attitude, that I could 
not refrain from examining it. With very considerable means 
at command, I have endeavored, I trust with prayerfulness 
and in the fear of God, and with no small impression of the 
delicacy and high responsibility of my situation, to give it a 
careful and serious examination. But it is with emotions pecu- 
liarly affecting that I proceed to inform you that in the result of 
the examination, I am compelled to relinquish a view of that 
sacred ordinance which I have formerly apprehended to be highly 
important. I am satisfactorily convinced, that those only who 
give credible evidence of piety, are proper subjects, and that 
immersion is the proper mode of baptism. This being the case 
we think it expedient and proper that I should unite with 
Brother Judson in a mission rather than with the other brethren." 

In the meantime, war between England and the United 
States had begun (the War of 1812), and the American mission- 
aries (who were looked upon as spies), were ordered to leave 
India. Mr. and Mrs. Judson and Rice got away as soon as 
they could, and travelled together as far as the Isle of France. 
Here, the Judsons decided to remain and await developments, 
while Rice concluded to return to America. He arrived in 
New York, September 7, 1813, and in Boston a few days later. 

Rice's chief purpose in returning to his native land was to 
endeavor to enlist the Baptist denomination in the cause of 
foreign missions. Soon after the Baptists of Boston learned 
that Mr. Judson had allied himself with their denomination 



292 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

they formed the "Baptist Society for Propagating the Gospel 
in India and other Foreign Parts." And to this Society Mr. 
Rice addressed himself. This Society, together with societies 
in Salem and Haverhill looked upon Mr. Rice as the one man 
who could do more than any one else to create an interest 
in missions among their churches, and they requested him to 
visit the churches in the eastern, middle, and southern states 
with this purpose in view. 

Nor were they mistaken in their belief. Rice accepted the 
appointment, and after making a flying visit to his home in 
Northborough, began those series of visits to the eastern and 
southern states, extending over a period of years, which resulted 
in making the Baptists a great missionary denomination. "Every- 
where he was received almost with acclamation," says Dr. 
Way land. Local missionary societies were established every- 
where, out of which was formed the great parent society, which 
for more than one hundred years has managed the missionary 
affairs of that great denomination. 

Another phase of Luther Rice's life concerns itself with 
educational matters. The Baptist ministry, one hundred years 
ago, was an uneducated ministry. To remedy this defect a 
school of theology was opened in Philadelphia in 1818, and Mr. 
Rice was appointed an agent to solicit funds for its maintenance. 
The success of the school was so well assured from the start that 
the idea of founding a college next presented itself. Where to 
locate the proposed college was a matter for consideration. 
Luther Rice was one of a committee to find a suitable location. 
The committee found such a location in the City of Washing- 
ton, D.C., and in a surprisingly short time had collected $10,000 
toward its purchase. The parent society thereupon voted to 
remove its school of theology to Washington and to operate it 
henceforth in connection with the college. In the meantime 
they had secured a charter from the United States Congress 
(1821), and work on the new college was begun. In the charter, 
the name of the institution was designated as "The Columbian 
College in the District of Columbia" ; and in the act of incorpora- 
tion, Luther Rice was named as one of its trustees. When the 
trustees organized they named Mr. Rice as treasurer of the college, 
which position he held many years. 

The theological school began operations in September, 1821. 
The college proper was opened January 9, 1822. The Board 
of Trustees, in their report, rendered April 24, 1822, puts on 
record their appreciation of the part that Mr. Rice had in the 
success of the institution, in the following words: "The Colum- 
bian College in the District of Columbia, which has risen under 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 293 

the auspices of the Board, and more especially by the unwearied 
labors of their much-valued Agent, the Rev. Luther Rice, is now 
in operation," etc. 

The "unwearied labors," spoken of above, are emphasized 
by Rev. Dr. Taylor (Mr. Rice's biographer), in these words: 
"The amount of labor performed by him at this period far ex- 
ceeded all his previous efforts, and in many instances was 
almost incredible. In addition to the mission agency which he 
held, nearly the whole dependence of the college, for funds, 
rested upon him. Scarcely allowing time for meals or repose 
he was continually employed in travelling from place to place, 
and conducting a correspondence with persons in all parts of 
the United States." 

When this college opened its doors it had thirty students. 
Five years later it had more than two hundred — all that it 
could accommodate. It continued to thrive for a few years, 
when it began to suffer reverses. The reason for this being, 
that in the meantime other Baptist institutions had come into 
being in several parts of the country, thus drawing the financial 
support that had originally gone to Columbian. In 1873, 
through the munificence of the Hon. W. W. Corcoran, the Wash- 
ington philanthropist, it received an endowment sufficient to 
place it on a sound foundation. In 1904 it was reorganized 
under a special Act of Congress, and has since been known as the 
George Washington University. 

Thus the heroic labors of Luther Rice, one hundred years 
ago, are in a fair way to continue indefinitely. Northborough 
may well take pride in this institution. 

Mr. Rice was also a preacher, and a convincing one. Rev. 
Francis Wayland, D.D., a man who stands high in the annals 
of Baptist history as preacher and as president of Brown 
University, relates the following incident. He was twenty 
years old at the time and was preparing himself to become a 
physician : 

"About this time (1816) Rev. Luther Rice visited Troy to 
awaken an interest in the subject of missions. He stayed with 
my father and preached several times in the Baptist Church. 
. . . Mr. Rice was a man of decided ability, and a solemn 
and effective preacher. ... I well remember the effect pro- 
duced on me by a sermon which he preached from the text 
'The Glorious Gospel of the Blessed God.' For the first time 
in my life I was constrained to believe that the sentiments of my 
heart were in harmony with the gospel ; that I loved God and all 
that God loved ; and that it would be a pleasure to me to devote 
my life to his service." 



294 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Mr. Wayland forthwith left the medical school and went 
to the Andover Theological School to prepare himself for the 
work of the Christian ministry. He later became the minister 
of the First Baptist Church of Boston, and still later, the presi- 
dent of Brown University. 

Professor James B. Taylor, Mr. Rice's friend and biographer, 
described him thus: 

"As a preacher of righteousness he has been rarely excelled. 
By nature he was endowed with many of the essential attri- 
butes of an effective speaker. His appearance was highly 
prepossessing. Above the ordinary height, with a robust and 
perfectly erect form, there was at once produced on the mind 
of the beholder a most favorable impression. None could 
fail to entertain respect, for it was demanded by a peculiar 
dignity of appearance and manner. . . . His voice was clear 
and melodious. The moment he began to speak attention was 
aroused, and uniformly the interest thus awakened was kept 
up throughout the services. The clearness of his conceptions, 
the accuracy and force of his language, and the solemn dignity 
of his manner, all contributed to render him one of the most 
interesting public speakers of our land. Occasionally, his 
eloquence was overpowering, particularly when he advocated 
the more sublime doctrines of our holy religion." 

Mr. Rice died at Edgefield, S. C, September 25, 1836, at 
the home of his friend. Dr. R. G. Mays, at the age of fifty-three 
years. "He was buried the next day (Sunday) near the Pine 
Pleasant Baptist Church, which is five miles south of the Saluda 
River, and twelve miles below the Abbeville line." 

The Baptists of South Carolina erected a monument over 
his grave bearing a long description of his life work. Mr. 
Rice's work is also memorialized by a tablet in Lall Bazar, now 
Carey Baptist Chapel, Calcutta, India. It was the gift of Mrs. 
L. E. Gurley, of Troy, N. Y., and was unveiled January 1, 1909. 
The inscription thereon reads as follows: 

This tablet is erected to the memory of Rev. Luther 
Rice, born in Northborough, Mass., U. S. A., on March 
25, 1783, and educated at Leicester Academy, Williams 
College, and Andover. Sailed for India as a missionary 
of the American Board, February, 1812, embraced Baptist 
views and was baptized in this chapel by the Rev. William 
Ward of Serampore, November 1st, 1812. Sailed with 
Dr. and Mrs. Judson to Mauritius, November 30, 1812. 
Returned to America, arriving at New York, September 
7th, 1813, and spent the remaining years of his life laying 




GOVERNOR JOHN DAVIS 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 295 

deep and broad the foundations of the American Baptist 
Missionary Union. Died at Edgefield, South Carolina, 
September 25th, 1836. A missionary enthusiast, eloquent 
preacher, and devout and wholly consecrated servant of 
the Lord Jesus Christ. Erected in recognition of his noble 
services on behalf of foreign missions, by a few American 
Baptists, and unveiled at the centenary celebration of 
this church, January 1st, 1909. 

GOVERNOR JOHN DAVIS 

Governor John Davis was the son of Isaac and Anna 
(Brigham) Davis. 

He was born in Northborough, January 13, 1787; was edu- 
cated in the public schools of his native town and in Leicester 
Academy, Leicester, Mass. ; was graduated from Yale College 
in 1812; taught school in Northborough one winter; studied law, 
and in 1815 began practice in Worcester; was elected to Con- 
gress as a Whig and served from 1825 to 1834; was Governor of 
Massachusetts, 1834; United States Senator 1835 to 1841, 
when he resigned; Governor of Massachusetts, 1841 to 1843; was 
nominated for Vice-president at Whig meeting held in Dayton, 
Ohio, in 1842, but this action was not ratified by the national 
Whig Convention in 1844; again United States Senator to fill 
vacancy caused by death of Hon. Isaac C. Bates, and served 
from 1845 to 1853; died in Worcester, April 19, 1854. 

Because of his uprightness of character, both private and 
public, he was known for many years as "Honest" John Davis. 

At the time of his death he was the president of the American 
Antiquarian Society. That society held a memorial service in 
his honor in Boston, April 26, 1854, on which occasion the Hon. 
Thomas Kinnicutt, of Worcester, delivered an address on "The 
Life and Character of The Hon. John Davis." 

In his address Mr. Kinnicutt says: 

"The success of Mr. Davis in his profession was remarkable. 
He has been known to say, that his diffidence was so great in 
early life, that, for years after he had acquired some reputation 
at the Bar, he never rose to address the court or jury without 
embarrassment; yet, at the end of ten years after his admission 
to practice, upon the elevation of Governor Lincoln to the 
Bench, he was the acknowledged head of his profession in a 
county of wide extent, and always distinguished for the ability 
of its Bar. As an advocate, he had few superiors in Massachu- 
setts. Others there were more eloquent, possessed of more 
genius, capable of producing more thrilling effect by impassioned 



296 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

declamation and beautiful imagery; but there were few, if any, 
possessed of more power to convince or persuade a New England 
jury. His imagination was always subordinate to his judgment; 
perhaps he had too little of the former faculty. He seldom 
indulged in declamation. His strength lay in the clearness of 
his statement, in logical arrangement, in a facility of grouping 
the evidence bearing upon a given point, in a sagacity that 
never failed him in the selection of the topics and illustrations 
suited to the tribunal he addressed, with which his mind was 
stored by extensive reading and wide observation; and, added 
to this, a sincerity of manner so perfect that it could not be 
counterfeit. It is not strange, that, with such endowments, 
he should be successful with a jury composed of men distinguished 
as most New England juries are, for their common sense, 
earnest to discover the truth, and suspicious of all attempts to 
lead their judgments astray by appeals to their feelings or 
imagination. 

"But it was as a statesman that Governor Davis was most 
distinguished, and upon his character in this capacity will rest 
his chief claim to an enduring reputation. He had not long 
been a member of the House of Representatives before he 
became distinguished. 

"Upon his elevation to the Senate, he entered upon an arena 
in which it was still more difficult to acquire and sustain a 
reputation of a high order . . . but he soon took a rank, which 
never deserted him, among the wisest and most able members 
of that remarkable body. 

"Governor Davis was a man of large reading, and of wide 
and minute observation. His knowledge was extensive and 
varied. It was difficult to suggest a subject on which some- 
thing could not be learned from him. He had devoted much 
time to the reading of history, both ancient and modern; and few 
persons were so thoroughly instructed in the details of our own 
colonial and national history. 

"In conversation he possessed remarkable power. Few 
men equalled him as a talker. His resources seemed to be never- 
failing. It was delightful to listen to him, as he sat in his own 
house, surrounded by his friends, pouring forth instruction by 
the hour, from lips that never tired, and from a mind never 
exhausted of its treasures, upon themes of the most varied 
character, social, political, historical, moral — rising from those 
of ordinary interest, up to those which deal with the highest 
questions of human life and human destiny. 

"Though deeply engrossed with the cares and duties of polit- 
ical station, he yet found time to interest himself in those 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 297 

benevolent enterprises which have for their object the improve- 
ment of the world in civilization, in morals, and religion. In 
the proceedings of the American Bible Society he felt a warm 
interest, and consented for a number of years to act as the 
president of the Worcester County Auxiliary Bible Society, in 
which capacity he afforded efficient aid to the parent associa- 
tion." 

Said Dr. Alonzo Hill, in a sermon preached in the Second 
Parish Church in Worcester, April 23, 1854: "John Davis, through 
years of public service and party strife, never incurred a suspicion 
of the purity of his motives or the integrity of his life: but through 
all political changes, retained the profound respect of those who 
opposed him most." 

The newspapers, at the time of his death, made such com- 
ments as : 

"A great and good man has fallen." 

"A shining light among the resplendent luminaries of the 
republic is extinguished." 

"The honest man and politician is gone." 

The Hon. Abbott Lawrence paid him this fine tribute: 

"It had been my happy privilege to be associated with Gov- 
ernor Davis in bonds of social intimacy for a long series of years; 
I have also been connected with him in the care or arrange- 
ment of many important matters of general interest. I can say 
of Governor Davis, that no one could be a more true and 
judicious friend; no one more devoted to the faithful discharge of 
delegated power; no one in whose bosom glowed a more pure 
or ardent patriotism; no one whose moral character was more 
free from blemish. Governor Davis possessed extraordinary 
sagacity, incorruptible integrity, and industry which never 
flinched in the face of arduous labor. These qualities, backed 
by the results of close observation of men, and extensive re- 
searches in books, enabled him to take and sustain a position 
in our national councils which it has fallen to the lot of few men 
to achieve. They were qualities which even political hostility 
has neither depreciated nor denied, and whose beneficent effects 
illuminate the pages of our nation's legislative history." 

Mr. Davis's wife, Eliza Bancroft, was a daughter of the 
Rev. Aaron Bancroft of Worcester, and a sister of George Ban- 
croft, the historian. 

Mr. Davis bears the distinction of being the only man ever 
elected Governor of Massachusetts, four times, with the excep- 
tion of Governor George Briggs who was elected seven times. 



298 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

In the "Diary of Philip Hone," recently published (a very 
prominent citizen of New York City), we read, under date of 
June 2, 1835: 

"I then went to the Mayor's, Gen. Lyman, who gave 
a soiree to the civil and military characters on the occasion 
of the annual election of the artillery company, where I met 
the Governor of the state, Mr. John Davis, a distinguished man, 
and Mr. Armstrong, the Lieut-Governor, with whom I was 
much pleased, and many others whom it was well to know. 
Mr. Davis has been recently elected, and the state lost a most 
excellent and valuable representative in Congress when they 
gained in him a good governor." 

THOMAS W. VALENTINE 

Thomas W. Valentine, son of Gill and Sabra (Wood) Valen- 
tine, was born in Northborough, February 16, 1818. He was 
educated in the public schools of his native town, and at an early 
age, chose teaching as his life work. In that noble profession 
he had a long and successful career, beginning in that part of 
Lancaster which is now the town of Clinton, Mass., in 1836, 
and ending in the city of Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1879. During the 
years 1837 to 1839 he taught in his native town; in 1840, in the 
State of Pennsylvania; in 1841, in Ashland, Mass. From 1842 
to 1854 he was principal of a public school in Albany, N. Y.; he 
was superintendent of the Albany Orphan Asylum during the 
last two years of his residence in that city, and served the city 
as Alderman of the ninth ward during his last three years 
there. He was also editor of the "New York Teacher" for two 
years. In 1855 he was made principal of public school No. 19, 
Brooklyn, N. Y. (a school which for several years numbered more 
than 1600 pupils), which position he held until his death in 
April, 1879. 

In a little volume, "The Genealogy of One Branch of the 
Wood Family," which he himself compiled, he says: "The only 
speciality he claims in his professional life is his efforts to excite 
more esprit de corps among teachers. In 1838 (while teaching in 
Northborough) he called and presided over the first convention 
of teachers held in Worcester County. In 1845 he originated 
the New York State Teachers* Association (the oldest of the 
twenty-five state associations in this country). In 1857, while 
President of the New York State Association, he made the first 
movement which resulted in the organization in Philadelphia of 
The National Teachers' Association, which is the largest and 
most important body of teachers in the world." [1871.] 




THOMAS W. VALENTINE 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 299 

Concerning his activities along this line he speaks at greater 
length in the following letter which he wrote to Dr. Joseph 
Allen in Northborough : 

"Williamsburg, N. Y. 

"Feb. 5, 1866. 
*'Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D. 
"Dear Sir: 

"I find, on page 301, in Hudson's 'History of Marlborough,' 
or rather in your 'Sketch of Northborough,' contained in that 
book, a reference made to the large number of teachers North- 
borough has furnished, etc. In that paragraph you mention 
that some one has 'a list of fifty-seven teachers, male and female, 
whose education was obtained principally in our public schools.' 
If I knew who that person is that has such a list, I would not 
trouble you, but would write directly to him. If that list is 
perfect, and especially if it contains also some brief statements 
in relation to the amount of service each has rendered, I would 
not mind paying $5.00 for a copy of it. I do very much doubt 
whether any other town of the same size in the whole Common- 
wealth, or in the whole country, can show a better record in 
that respect. 

"That much of the credit for this is due to you, Sir, as the 
Chariman of the School Committee for so long a period, I think 
all will acknowledge; and I hope and believe that fact will be 
distinctly stated whenever such a record shall be made up. The 
great Apostle to the Gentiles considered it no boasting to speak 
of his own labors, sufferings and success; and I trust, whenever 
the proper time shall come, your modesty will not keep you from 
even claiming that credit which is honestly and honorably and 
justly yours. 

"But for myself, I repudiate all such modesty. That same 
Apostle could 'speak as a fool,' and so may I while claiming 
credit for my native town. It cannot be denied that the first 
call for a meeting of teachers in Worcester County emanated 
from Northborough. What that small beginning has resulted in, 
you yourself know; and I never read the proceedings of the 
present County Association without thinking of that first 
meeting in 1838. 

"It cannot be denied that the first idea of a State Association of 
Teachers originated with a native of Northborough twenty-one 
years ago. That idea has resulted in the formation of at least 
twenty-three such associations — four of which I have had the 
honor of addressing. 



300 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"It cannot be denied that the plan of a teachers' periodical, 
as such, distinctively, was drawn up by a wanderer from that 
same little town. Noiu, there are at least a dozen such, in this 
country. 

"But more than all, and above all in its results, the National 
Teachers' Association may be traced to the same origin. When 
I looked upon that immense gathering at Harrisburg last summer, 
before which two Go\'ernors were not ashamed to speak, I must 
confess I did not recognize my own bantling. I could not 
help exclaiming with one of old, 'what hath God wrought!' 
If a national Bureau of Education shall ever be organized 
under our Government, it will be done through the eflorts and 
influence of that Association. On this very day, a meeting of 
State Superintendents is to be held in Washington to do what 
they can to bring about the establishment of a National System 
of Education ; but this too, is the result of the Harrisburg meet- 
ing, where tJiis meeting was planned. 

"Of course, these organizations have all got beyond me now, 
for the Chief Brothers are not apt to remember Joseph; but 
little care I, so that the work goes bravely on. There is yet 
much land to be possessed, and if I can live to see the blessings 
of our New England system of Free Schools extending over our 
ivhole united country, I can die as contented as did old Simeon. 
If, in all these great public movements, I have been permitted 
to bear some humble part, I must thank God, AND YOU, for the 
inspiration. If, 'solitary and alone, I set this ball in motion,' 
I have the satisfaction of knowing that the ball will roll on long 
after I am dead and forgotten. 

"I am now in my 30th year of teaching, and in three states 
I have met with more success than I ha\'e deserved or expected. 
Not fewer than 18,500 pupils have been under my charge. 
These have been in country and in city; in small and in large 
schools; in private and in public schools; in day and in evening 
schools; in normal and in primary schools; and really, I must be 
getting into my dotage, for I am beginning to live upon the past. 
You, at least, know what that means, and can excuse it. Cer- 
tainly, few have been permitted to see more in the school line 
than I ; and I have not yet seen 48 years. Twice has the Hon. 
Henry Barnard pressed me for a portrait and sketch of my 
labors, for publication in the American Journal of Education, 
but poverty has hitherto prevented, on account of the cost of 
engraving. 

"Now, Dr. Allen, you see I have spoken as a fool; but it is 
only that Northborough may claim something on the score of 
her teachers. I shall feel honored in being classed with the 




PROF. JOHN MINOT RICE 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 301 

Fays, the Aliens, the Seavers, the Bartletts, the (elder) Valen- 
tines,' and the scores of others who have gone out from that 
town to teach the young idea. 

"Yours most truly, 

"Thomas W. Valentine." 

Besides the little book spoken of in the early part of this 
sketch, "Genealogy of the Wood Family," Mr. Valentme is 
the author of "A Fifty Years' Pilgrimage," a pamphlet, bemg 
the history of the Baptist Church, written on the occasion of the 
fiftieth anniversary of the founding of that church. 

He also wrote occasional poems, though he did not claim_ to 
be a poet ; chief among which was one written for the celebration 
of the town's Centennial Anniversary in 1866. Another was 
written for the dedication of the town hall in 1869; though 
unfortunately, this last-named poem has not been preserved. 

Mr. Valentine's father, Gill Valentine, was a man of some 
note in his day, being a land surveyor, map-maker, postmaster 
and deputy sheriff. For fifteen years he was auditor for the 
City of Worcester. In 1871 he returned to Northborough 
where he died, February 22, 1879. 

PROFESSOR JOHN MINOT RICE 

The Northborough schools have turned out a great many 
teachers, some of whom have become famous in the larger 
educational world. And the town delights to honor their memory 
for they have reflected glory upon her. 

By no means the least among those teachers was John Minot 
Rice. It is a long distance from a district school in North- 
borough to the head of the mathematical department of the 
greatest naval academy in the world; but John Minot Rice 
traversed that distance, and in a surprisingly short time. And 
he did it by virtue of his own native ability and his own almost 
unaided ambition. 

He was the son of Altamont and Laura (Holt) Rice and was 
born in Northborough, March 13, 1831, and died there March 
2, 1901, aged seventy years, lacking eleven days. 

It may be that he imbibed his love of learning from the 
house in which he was born — for that house was formerly the 
Northborough Seminary. It stood at the junction of Pleasant 
and Boylston Streets until about 1807, when Mr. Rice's father 
bought it and moved it to its present location at the corner of 
Rice Avenue and Whitney Street. 

Until fourteen years of age he attended the district school in 



302 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

the north part of the town — that school which bears the distinc- 
tion of having turned out a surprisingly large number of able 
teachers. Then he was obliged to leave school, and for nine 
years he worked, first for Warren T. Bush, then in the grocery 
store of William L. Eager. But he did not cease to study 
during those years. His ambition for the higher education 
burned constantly, until finally, in 1853, with the aid of $150 
which he borrowed from his former employer, Mr. Bush, he 
became a student at the Bridgewater Normal School. 

He remained at that institution one year, when he embarked 
upon a career of teaching — in the public schools at Provincetown, 
as principal of the Houghton School at Bolton, and in the public 
schools at Nantucket. 

This early phase of his teaching career was only a stepping- 
stone to larger things, and it provided him with the wherewithal 
for pursuing his ambition for knowledge. He was a learner as 
well as a teacher. Thus, giving up teaching for more thorough 
preparation, he entered the famous boys' school — The Allen 
School at West Newton, From there he went to Exeter Academy, 
thence to Brown University, 1860-61, and thence to the Law- 
rence Scientific School at Harvard University. At the latter 
institution he was a roommate of John White Chadwick, who 
afterwards became a famous Unitarian divine and author. 
Here the two students cemented a life-long friendship. Both 
were destined to become famous — the one as a theologian, the 
other as a mathematician. 

From the following incident it would seem that Rice had 
attained much proficiency in his chosen subject while yet a 

student : in his later years he was asked if he knew Prof. ? 

"Oh yes," he replied, "I knew Prof. . When I was a student 

at the Lawrence Scientific School, , then professor of mathe- 
matics at Tufts College, came regularly to Cambridge for two 
years to take lessons of me." 

Upon leaving the Cambridge institution Rice connected 
himself with the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, 
where he remained as instructor and professor for a period of 
twenty-seven years, as follows: 

Assistant Professor of Mathematics, 1863-66. 

Assistant Professor of Natural Philosophy, 1866-67. 

Assistant Professor of Mathematics, 1867-70. 

Professor of Mathematics, 1870-80. 

Head of Department of Mechanics, 1880-90. 

He retired to private life in 1890 on account of ill-health and 
increasing deafness, and returned to the quiet of his native town, 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 303 

where he spent the remainder of his life, in the house where he 
was born. The house, in the meantime, had suffered damage 
by fire. In rebuilding it he converted it into the beautiful 
home which has since been known as "Linden Cottage." 

Professor Rice was intimately acquainted with the naval 
heroes of the Spanish War, Admirals Sampson, Schley and 
Dewey. At the time of Rice's death. Admiral Sampson was 
Commandant of the Charlestown Navy Yard, and had signi- 
fied his intention of coming to the funeral. But on the morning 
of the day of the funeral he himself was stricken with an illness, 
which proved to be his last. 

The following letter from Professor Johnson was received by 
the writer in reply to an inquiry concerning Professor Rice: 



"April 10, 1912. 
"Sir: 

"In reply to your request for information with regard to the 
late Professor John Minot Rice, I jot down the following reminis- 
cences : 

"When I joined the Naval Academy in Dec, 1864, as one of 
the Assistant Professors under the headship of Professor Wilcox, 
I found Rice, who had preceded me by, I think, not more than 
a year, as one of my colleagues. He came to Annapolis the 
next year when the Academy returned here after the Civil 
War. He was Wilcox's right-hand man in the department; and 
some years later when Calculus was first introduced into the 
Academic course and Professor Wilcox dissatisfied with existing 
text books. Rice was associated with myself (at that time Professor 
of Mathematics in St. John's College) in writing a text book on 
the Calculus to meet his views. After Wilcox's death the 
department was administered by Line Officers, but eventually 
the Department of Applied Mathematics was created with Rice 
as its head. 

"I do not remember whether this preceded his appointment in 
the corps of professors of Mathematics in the Navy some time 
in the seventies. 

"Rice was very loyal to high ideals in mathematical instruc- 
tion and did much to build up the course of study here. Per- 
sonally Rice was of a genial and conciliatory temperament, and 
was generally popular with naval officers. 

"Yours very truly, 

W. WooLSEY Johnson." 



304 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

EDWIN P. SEAVER 

Edwin P. Seaver, who ranks among the best educators that 
the state of Massachusetts ever produced, was born in North- 
borough, February 24, 1838, and he always reserved a warm 
place in his heart for his native town. He was a product of the 
district schools of Northborough, having been a student at both 
the South and the Center Districts. Upon his graduation from 
the Bridgewater Normal School he embarked upon a career of 
teaching which has few parallels in the country. His career is 
partially told in a letter to Miss Harriet L. Allen, who, in 1912 
prepared a paper on "Some of the Teachers Who Have Gone 
Forth from Northborough." This letter is such a charming bit 
of biography that we publish it in full. He says: 

"After graduating from the Bridgewater Normal School 
I taught for one spring term (13 weeks) a district school in East 
Stoughton — now the town of Avon; and in September of that 
year went to the Friends' Academy in New Bedford where I 
was the assistant of the late Thomas Prentice Allen, having 
charge of the English branches. Mr. Allen, as you know, was 
born and educated in Northborough, and was one of the most 
renowned teachers of his time. 

"I remained with Mr. Allen three years devoting my spare 
time to the study of Latin and Greek, and receiving Mr. Allen's 
instruction in these languages as a part of my compensation for 
teaching. Sometimes it happened that I recited Latin and Greek 
with the same boys I had taught arithmetic the hour before, 
or would teach geography the next hour. In this way I was 
prepared for college; but feeling some doubts as to the thorough- 
ness of my preparation, thought it best for me to enter the 
Phillips Academy at Exeter for one year. This I did, and during 
the year 1860-61 took double work, finishing my preparation 
for college with a higher class and doing the whole work of the 
freshman year. This cannot, however, be considered as doing 
the whole of two years' work in one; for I was already well ad- 
vanced in mathematics. 

"During my college course I did some teaching, including one 
winter term in the East District in Northborough. After grad- 
uating from college I came back to the Friends' Academy for a 
year (1864-65) and was then called back to Harvard College, 
where I served as tutor and assistant professor of mathematics 
for nine years — 1865 to 1874. 

"Then I was elected Head Master of the English High School 
in Boston, and held the position for six years, 1874-80. After 
which I served the City of Boston for 24 years as Superintendent 
of Public Schools— 1880 to 1904." 




EDWIN P. SEAVER 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 305 

In speaking of the number of teachers of Northborough he 
goes on to say: "It seemed to me when a boy that almost every- 
body who was possessed of more than a common school educa- 
tion was, or had been, a teacher; and that so many went to Bridge- 
water Normal School was chiefly due to the influence of Dr. 
Allen, who is the one man to whom Northborough owes its 
reputation as a nursery of teachers." 

The Massachusetts Schoolmasters' Club put forth the 
following brochure on Edwin P. Seaver, in 1919: 

"Edwin P. Seaver, born in Northborough, Massachusetts, 
Feb. 24, 1838, died at his home in New Bedford, Dec. 8, 1917, 
in his eightieth year. Mr. Seaver was always both a scholar 
and an educator. He was an unusual combination of the student 
and the schoolmaster. We can learn of no educator who, prior 
to 1870, spent so much time in scholastic preparation as did he. 

"From seventeen years of age, when he entered the Bridge- 
water State Normal School, until at thirty- two, when he was 
graduated from the Harvard Law School, he was always a 
student in one of the four leading educational institutions of 
their class in the United States. 

"Later he spent two years in study and travel in Europe. 
This makes seventeen years devoted to student life, in the 
Bridgewater State Normal School, Phillips Academy, Harvard 
College, Harvard Law School, and the schools of Europe. 

"Even now such extended preparation for a public school 
career would be unusual, but fifty years ago it was phenomenal. 

"Although Mr. Seaver early taught, incidentally he had set 
his heart upon college work in mathematics in which he had 
made a reputation as a student. 

"Mr. Seaver was the first Bridgewater graduate to go to 
Phillips Academy and Harvard University. After fifteen years 
of eminently successful student life he was successively principal 
of a Boys' School in New Bedford, assistant professor in Harvard 
College, headmaster of the English High School of Boston, and 
for twenty-four years superintendent of the schools of Boston, 
a longer term than that enjoyed, or endured, by any other educa- 
tional leader in Boston. He was for twelve years one of the 
overseers of Harvard University, as high a professional honor as 
can come to a public school man. 

"Bridgewater men have always known Mr. Seaver, who was 
for more than sixty years among its alumni, but the great body 
of New England school men of today knew him as superinten- 
dent of Boston schools. 

"Mr. Seaver was one of the most impersonal men who ever 



306 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

honored the profession. He cared Httle what people said about 
him in praise or censure. 

"He was always a storm center. He bore much abuse for 
a time from the ardent admirers of John D. Philbrick, and later 
from the worshippers of Colonel Francis W. Parker, and no one 
was ever an admirer of both Philbrick and Parker. 

"In later life when the storms raged fiercest he had as near the 
unanimous support of the teaching force of Boston as one can 
ever expect to enjoy. 

"Through thrift and fortunate investments Mr. Seaver was 
able to retire at the age of sixty-six and enjoy a leisure life for 
the last thirteen years. 

"Mr. Seaver was not naturally educationally progressive, 
but his great professional service to the country, was as chairman 
of a famous Committee on Industrial Education, which was as 
important progressive service as any committee up to that time 
had ever rendered through schools of America since the days of 
Horace Mann and Henry Barnard. 

"Mr. Seaver was a noble man among schoolmasters. His 
preparation for the work was wholly unprecedented, his service 
unusual, his honors abundant." 

PROFESSOR SAMUEL T. MAYNARD 

The town of Amherst, in Central Massachusetts, is an edu- 
cational center, being the home of "Amherst College" and of the 
"Massachusetts Agricultural College." Both of those institu- 
tions are beauty spots. In fact, the town itself is a beauty 
spot, being accounted one of the most beautiful of the cultured 
New England towns. The visitor to Amherst always carries 
away with him a mental picture of rural loveliness. Nature has 
done much for it, but the brain and hand of man have done more. 
The casual visitor to any town accepts such beauty as he finds, 
and is satisfied. But he seldom questions himself or anyone 
else as to who is responsible for that beauty. In these latter 
days we assume that the beauty of a town was wrought under 
the magic touch of some landscape gardener, name unknown. 
And we assume rightly. But in the case of beautiful Amherst it 
is not difficult to trace her beauty to its source. Given an 
agricultural college, with a professor of horticulture whose interest 
in his department is personal rather than general, and a beautiful 
town is easily accounted for. For that professor soon becomes 
well known, and his genius much sought after. 

Amherst is indebted (not wholly, but pretty largely) to one 
such professor — a man whose name was a household word in 




PROF. SAMUEL T. MAYNARD 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 307 

that town for a third of a century. When he went there as a 
student, in 1868, the Massachusetts Agricultural College was 
new, and its two buildings were set in the midst of acres of 
pasture land, devoid of beauty save the little that nature pro- 
vided. There were a few trees on the grounds — old then, but 
older now, and lending a touch of picturesqueness to the changed 
place. Marvelous has been the change wrought in those barren 
acres! Today, numerous footpaths wind in and around well- 
trimmed lawns; shrubs of wonderful interest dot the landscape 
here and there ; and trees in great variety afiford a welcome shade 
from the heat of the summer's sun. Truly, the horticultural 
genius of that professor hath caused those once desolate acres 
"to blossom as the rose." And the man who wrought this 
great change was Professor Samuel Taylor Maynard of 
Northborough. 

Mr. Maynard was not born in Northborough. But he be- 
longs to an old Northborough family whose name has been 
conspicuous in the town's history for a hundred and fifty years. 
His father was a farm manager, and lived at various times, in 
Hardwick, Harvard, West Berlin, and Northborough. It was 
while his people were living in Hardwick that the subject of this 
sketch was born — December 6, 1845. He lived there only six 
months however, when his family moved to Harvard, where they 
remained one year. Then they came to Northborough, where 
the father managed what is locally known as the Holloway 
Bailey Place (in the north part of the town, just this side of 
the Berlin line). Then they moved to West Berlin, and then 
back to Northborough again, where they remained perma- 
nently. 

Samuel T. Maynard was about ten years old when his 
family finally settled in Northborough. He lived in the cottage 
house on Washburn Street, which house is still owned by him. 
He worked with his father at shoe-making. Those were the 
days of the little shoe shops. The modern, great shoe factory 
had not then come into existence. Many of our old New England 
towns are dotted all over with small shops which were used by 
the farmers during the winter season for the making of shoes, 
as an adjunct to their regular occupation of farming. Soles 
were fastened to the shoes by means of square wooden pegs, 
which operation was performed by hand. In course of time 
a machine was invented for that purpose; and Mr. Maynard 
bought and used the first pegging machine that was used in 
Northborough. He worked at this business eleven years. His 
evenings were not idle, however. He was of a studious nature and 
spent the long winter evenings studying under the tuition of 



308 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

J. B. Davis, the popular teacher of the North District School, 
and later, of the high shool. 

In the winter of 1868, Mr. Maynard entered the Massachu- 
setts Agricultural College as a student, and was graduated 
therefrom in 1872, the class numbering forty-four. The college 
was new at that time and Mr. Maynard's class was the second 
to be graduated. His college course was made possible because 
of money earned by pegging shoes. And because of this he is 
fond of saying that he literally "pegged his way through college." 
But pegging shoes did not furnish enough money for a complete 
college education, and long before the course was over his funds 
gave out. He thought his education was at an end and packed 
up his belongings preparatory to leaving for home. He went 
to bid President Clark good-bye. "What are you going for?" 
the president asked him. "Because my funds have given out," 
he replied. "I have something for you, if you can do it," the 
president made answer, and brought out a roll of canvas telling 
h'm what he wanted done with it. Maynard unpacked his 
suit case and went to work with those three rolls of canvas, and 
finished his course. 

With that roll of canvas he made diagrams of the many 
parts of fiowers. So well made were these diagrams that they 
were used in the botanical department of the college for many 
years. 

Having shown his skill as a mechanical draftsman Maynard 
was next set to work on diagrams illustrative of the geological 
history of the world. These diagrams also, were used in the 
classroom for many years. 

But the young student's genius was next to bring forth a 
more remarkable production. In studying horticulture it is 
necessary to have at hand, plants and fruits. These are not 
available at all seasons of the year. But genius may procure 
substitutes for some of them. So young Maynard set himself 
the task of making models of the different varieties of fruit. 
Such perfect imitations of the real fruits were these models that, 
when the World's Fair was held at Chicago in 1893, the College 
had nothing better to send as an exhibit, and it sent them, to- 
gether with other models made by him at that time. Mr. 
Maynard also prepared for that exhibit specimens of all the 
tree woods of Massachusetts, which attracted considerable 
attention. One of these specimens was a chestnut oak from the 
Elbridge Moore place in Northborough. 

As has already been said, Mr. Maynard finished his college 
course and was graduated in the class of 1872. Immediately 
after graduation he was employed as foreman in the Nonantum 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 309 

Hill nurseries and greenhouses in Brighton. But he did not 
remain there long, however, for he was soon invited to return to 
the college as instructor in horticulture. This offer was attract- 
ive to him and the work admirably suited his tastes; and he 
began teaching in the fall of 1873, and continued to teach until 
1902. 

In 1876, Colonel W. S. Clark, the president, was invited to 
go to Japan to organize the Royal Agricultural College. Upon his 
departure from Amherst the chair of botany was added to that 
of horticulture, and from that time on Professor Maynard filled 
both chairs. 

The college has grown enormously since its small beginnings, 
late in the sixties, new departments being added from time to 
time as resources permitted. But to Professor Maynard belongs 
the honor of introducing some of the more important courses, 
such as landscape-gardening, forestry, floriculture, greenhouse 
management, etc., all of which departments were under his per- 
sonal management. 

Some years ago, the college and the United States Govern- 
ment established a beet sugar experimental equipment. To 
publish the results of this experiment entailed the making of 
innumerable drawings, all of which were made by Mr. Maynard. 

Later, the Morrell Bill passed by Congress, gave to every 
agricultural college in the country two hundred thousand acres 
of land, which were sold and the proceeds used to start experi- 
mental stations. One such station was established at Amherst. 
The Horticultural Department of the Amherst station was under 
the charge of Professor Maynard. Innumerable experiments 
were constantly carried on, the results of which were published 
in the bulletins, often with illustrations. The illustrations for 
these experiments were made by Professor Maynard, entailing an 
almost endless amount of extra labor upon an already overworked 
man. 

Truly, the office of an agricultural college professor is no 
sinecure. 

Professor Maynard gave up teaching in 1902 and returned 
to Northborough, where he has since resided. But he has not 
been idle in his retirement. He has pursued the art of land- 
scape gardener and lecturer in a private capacity, traveling all 
over New England. And in the midst of his many duties he 
has found time to write several books. 

At Amherst he served on the School Committee, and on the 
Parish Committee of the Unitarian Church. At Northborough 
he has served in similar capacities, and as a member of the 
Park Commission. 



310 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

In 1894 he founded the Massachusetts Fruit Growers' Asso- 
ciation and served as its secretary many years; also as its presi- 
dent, one year. He is also connected with many horticultural 
societies. 

The financial rewards of a college professor are pitifully 
small, and if one depended upon them for his satisfaction he 
might think that his labor was in vain. But there are other 
rewards that come to the faithful teacher which more than make 
up for the meager salary. The constant meeting of former 
students who have passed through his hands, and who have 
made enviable positions in the world for themselves as a result 
of his teaching, and who freely acknowledge the teacher's part 
in their success, brings joy to an old teacher's heart such as no 
big salary could ever do. This sort of thing affords a large part 
of Professor Maynard's enjoyment in his retirement. 



THE GALES— FATHER AND SON 

For one hundred years the name "Gale" was closely inter- 
woven with the social and financial life of Northborough. And 
the name will be perpetuated in the town in many ways for a 
long time to come. Captain Cyrus Gale and Cyrus Gale, Jr., 
were men of considerable property; but they had something more 
than property — they had a true sense of how to use their prop- 
erty for the benefit of the community. They were true and 
loyal citizens of the town, serving it in various official capacities, 
and by their influence, preserving its integrity. Their names 
are inextricably connected with the financial history of the 
town through their association with the Northborough National 
Bank; with the commercial history of the town through their 
ownership of the Gale stores; with the intellectual history of 
the town through their beneficence to the public library; to 
the social history of the town through the hospitality of their 
homes; and in other phases of the town's history too numerous 
to mention. For many years the name Gale was synonymous 
with Northborough. One could not think of the one without 
the other. 

Captain Cyrus Gale was born in Westborough, October 7, 
1785, and died in Northborough, September 10, 1880, at the ripe 
age of ninety-five years. He was three times married: first to 
Eliza Davis, daughter of Isaac and Anna Davis, in 1816; second, 
to Sarah Patrick, of Worcester, in 1823; and third, to Mrs. Susan 
(Grout) Holbrook, widow of Daniel Holbrook, and daughter of 
Seth and Susannah (Haskell) Grout. 




CAPT. CYRUS GALE 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 311 

Going to Boston at an early age, he engaged in business and 
continued therein until coming to Northborough. His title of 
"Captain" came to him through his connection with the Massa- 
chusetts militia. At the age of twenty-three he became a mem- 
ber of Massachusetts Lodge A. F. and A. M., and until the time 
of his death, was more or less prominent in Masonic circles. He 
came to Northborough in 1813, where for more than half a century 
he carried on a general store, on the Main Street in the sornewhat 
imposing building (the one with columns) nearly opposite the 
library. He served the town as town clerk from 1831 to 1833; 
as selectman in 1829, and from 1831 to 1833; as assessor, from 
1823 to 1825, 1841, and 1843. In 1850 he served as a member 
of the Governor's Council. He was one of the early benefac- 
tors of the Northborough Free Library and he was the founder 
of the "Gale Fund" — a beneficent town fund designed to help 
the worthy poor. 

The son, Cyrus Gale, Jr., followed in his father's footsteps 
in many ways. He served the town as treasurer and collector 
from 1850 to 1857, and as trustee of the public library at a 
later date. 

Both father and son were directors of the Northborough 
Bank, and both were intimately associated with the financial 
interests of the town. 

Assabet Park was a gift to the town from Cyrus, Jr., as was 
also the beautiful home of the Northborough Free Library. He 
also made a handsome addition to the "Gale Fund" which his 
father established. 

The following resolutions presented by Rev. J. C. Kent, 
adopted at a special town meeting, June 3, 1908 (Mr. Gale 
died in April of that year), express more fully Mr. Gale's benefi- 
cence and the town's appreciation therefor: 

"Whereas, It appears by. the last will and testament of the 
late Cyrus Gale, that he, the said Cyrus Gale, has bequeathed 
the sum of $9000 to the Town of Northborough ($6000 for the 
use of the Free Library, $1000 for the care of the Library Build- 
ing and Grounds, and $2000 for the aid of the silent poor), be it 

"Resolved, That the Town of Northborough hereby expresses 
its deep appreciation of the late Mr. Gale as a citizen and bene- 
factor. As a life-long citizen he was deeply and actively in- 
terested in the affairs of the town, serving it in various useful 
and helpful capacities as officer, counselor and guide; giving 
it his best service with never a thought of personal advantage. 
He was unselfish and modest. For many years, one of the 



312 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

largest tax-payers of the town, he never withheld his support of 
any needed improvement for fear that his tax would be increased 
thereby, but rather, aided every project that seemed to promise 
universal good to the community. He willingly bore his part of 
the town's burden, ever glad that his part was a large one. 

"He was modest. Though bestowing his benefactions freely 
and profusely throughout many years he never believed that 
those benefactions gave him the slightest claim upon the town 
for special privileges. What he gave, he gave; and that was 
the end of it, so far as he was concerned. Indeed, the only 
special privilege he enjoyed was free access to the town library. 
This privilege the Library Trustees conferred upon him upon 
his retirement from their Board, not because Mr. Gale asked it, 
but out of consideration for his long and continued benefactions 
thereto. 

"As a benefactor Mr. Cyrus Gale was unique. Most men 
give of their income. He gave of his principal. Most men give 
that which they do not feel the loss of. He gave that which 
appreciably diminished his income. Over a long period of 
years his benefactions extended, and they were both private 
and public. That chivalrous act of filial devotion whereby he 
made good to the town a $10,000 bequest of his father, which at 
the time of his father's death had depreciated to nothing, must 
ever be spoken of as a high-minded act. From that time until 
his death he bestowed his gifts upon the town with a lavish 
hand, and as a consequence the town will ever have a public 
Park and a beautifully-housed Library; while many poor but 
proud inhabitants will be spared the humiliation of passing their 
last days in the almshouse. Truly, Mr. Gale's gifts have been 
munificent, and the Town of Northborough is glad to put 
itself on record in grateful appreciation. Be it further 

"Resolved, That the Town of Northborough express its ap- 
preciation of Mrs. Ellen M. Gale, widow of Cyrus Gale, for the 
whole-hearted and willing manner in which she has for so many 
years aided Mr. Gale in his benefactions. Every noble impulse 
of the husband has had the loyal co-operation of the wife. To- 
gether they thought out good deeds, and together they wrought 
them. The town has been fortunate in having two such citi- 
zens for so many years. 

"Be it further 

''Resolved, That the Town of Northborough send greetings 
to Mrs. Ellen M. Gale, with the earnest hope that she may yet 
be spared for many years of happiness. 




CYRUS GALE, JR. 
Donor of the Gale Library Building 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 313 

''Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the Town 
Record and a copy sent to Mrs. Gale. 

"Signed: J osiAH Coleman Kent, 

President of Library Trustees. 

Henry H. Cook, 
Chairman Board of Selectmen. 

Chester E. Hildreth, 

Chairman Board of Overseers. 

William J. Potter, 

Town Treasurer. 

Guilford P. Heath, 
Chairman Board of Assessors. 

George F. Sargent. 
Dr. John L. Coffin." 



CHAPTER XXXI 

INTERESTING ITEMS FROM THE TOWN RECORD 
"REV. JOHN MARTYN TO YE SECOND PRECINCT" 

"Westborough, Oct. 1, 1753. 

''Samuel Wood, Clerk of Ye 2nd Precinct in Wesiborough to he 
communicated : 

"Gentlemen: 

"Understanding that part of your Business today is to vote 
on addition to my Salary and being requested to say something 
to it because what is proposed exceeds the Contract, all I have 
to say is that until the Contract is fulfilled as to the time of 
payment as well as the sum, it is not fulfilled according to the 
Intention of it, and as to the time, the last year's Collector can 
satisfy^ you. Moreover, if it was fulfilled as to the Time as well 
as sum it would be so small that I could not possibly in any 
credible manner to myself or you subsist upon it, and whether 
you value my Comfort or not, yet if you shall value your own 
Credit which doubtless you do, you will not make the Salary 
less than it was the last year; especially when you consider that 
I am obliged to add to that for my Subsistence all the income of 
my Farm (which if at Interest would be near as much) for my 
Support and how far short you have yet come to my year's 
wood which I was encouraged to expect. I need add no more 
but to tell you that an ingenious friendly treatment of me you 
may expect will be rewarded by a bountiful God, and I trust you 
will not find me backward to recompense it by my Labors for 
your good here and hereafter. 

"from your affectionate Pastor, 

"Jno. Martyn." 

The above is copied from the original letter. 

NAHUM FAY'S RETIREMENT FROM THE OFFICE OF TOWN 

CLERK 

Nahum Fay belonged to one of the oldest families in town. 
He served the town in various capacities, principally as Town 
Clerk, which office he held forty-one years. When, in 1829, he 
declined a re-election, the town took the following action, as 
appears from the Town Records under date of March 2, 1829: 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 315 

"Some conversation took place concerning making a present 
to the town clerk (Nahum Fay) who has served 41 years, and 
received 22 dollars for his last year's service. Messrs. Asaph 
Rice, Cyrus Gale, William Eager, Prentice Keyes, and Lyman 
Allen were the most prominent speakers. It was proposed to 
make him a present of fifty dollars, and to be included in the 
grant about to be made. It was said that they were willing to 
pay their part toward it, but thought it would not be legal. The 
Town Clerk then stated he did not wish them to spend time on 
the subject, thanked the town for the respect they had shown 
him, thanked those who were willing to make him the present, 
presuming some were willing, others not — when he was formerly 
chosen they did not expect to make him any remuneration, 
therefore he only requested that if ever he should be burdensome 
to the town, that they would deal kindly with him. 

"It was stated that it was said by some that they had treated 
the town clerk disrespectfully, but it was not intended; it was 
only meant that they did not mean to pay their town officers. 

"The Town Clerk was asked whether he were willing that 
those who were willing to make him a present of fifty dollars 
should show their minds. The vote was then put, and it passed 
in the affirmative, almost unanimously. 

"Then voted him their thanks almost unanimously, and 
that a record be made of it. 

"The Town Clerk then made his acknowledgments to them 
for the respect shown him, and that he was not dissatisfied with 
their conduct, for every man has a right to act his opinion." 

PATRIOTIC CITIZENS PAY TOWN BILLS 

At a town meeting held April 2, 1838, "William Sherman 
presented a bill amounting to $2.50 for removing and treading 
down the snow in the highway near Nathaniel Brigham's; 
upon which it was voted to choose a committee of eleven to confer 
with said Sherman and Brigham upon the subject of said claim, 
to see if some arrangement can be effected so that said bill may 
be withdrawn. Chose Asaph Rice, chairman. 

"The above committee met the parties named, when Sherman 
relinquished part of his claim, but Brigham was obstinate and 
refused to relinquish his claim. The committee therefore paid 
it themselves." 

That Brigham was not always "obstinate" is seen from the 
following record: 

"March 4, 1839. Prentice Keyes, Esq., presented a bill for 



316 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

$11, for services rendered in making taxes, the past year. Mr. 
Nathaniel Brigham proposed that he would pay one-half of the 
bill if Capt. Keyes would relinquish the other half. Capt. 
Keyes immediately accepted the proposition provided Mr, 
Brigham should pay the cash then. Thereupon Mr. Brigham 
drew the money from his pocket and paid Capt. Keyes $5.50. 
And Capt. Keyes withdrew his demand, saying it is settled. 

"The town immediately passed a vote of thanks to Mr. 
Brigham and Capt. Keyes for the exhibition of their liberality 
in relieving the town from the payment of said bill." 

TEMPTATION REMOVED 

On November 4, 1873, the following Preamble and Resolu- 
tion, offered by J. J. Johnson, was voted in the affirmative: 

"Whereas, there has grown up a custom by which Railroad 
Corporations give passes, which they value at hundreds of dollars, 
to each member of the State Government; and as we all know 
Railroad Corporations don't give something for nothing, it is 
plain that they mean bribery; and every man who accepts their 
gift may be suspected of accepting a bribe, therefore, 

"Resolved, That we instruct those who represent us in the 
State Government not to accept passes or other favors from any 
railroad or other corporation. 

"Resolved, That the Preamble and Resolution be placed on 
the town records and printed in the Clinton Courant." 

This is another instance where the town of Northborough 
anticipated State Legislative action. 

JAIRUS LINCOLN'S REPORT TO THE TOWN CONCERNING 
STREET LAMPS 

At the town meeting in March, 1870, Jairus Lincoln suggested 
that more street lights were needed. The town thereupon ap- 
pointed a committee to investigate the matter, making Mr. 
Lincoln, chairman. The committee reported March 21, 1879, 
as follows: 

"Your committee on lamps, appointed to report. 
Will respond here today: our report will be short: 
We've considered the subject & in this we've agreed 
That of more lamps for safety the town truly has need. 

"Mr. Moderator, we all say let there be here more light 
To guide those who sometimes stray out late at night; 
That all be directed to their own quiet home; 
That none may in doubt e'er from place to place roam. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 317 

"That if two or more drive with unwarranted speed, 
To determine who is to follow, or who is to lead, 
A bright light may guide them, in their too rapid pace. 
That no necks be broken & no collisions take place. 

"For safety in night time, your committee agreed. 
That six more new lamps on the Main street we need: 
Of the location of each we were all of one mind. 
And the report here presented each has cheerfully signed. 

"At the Guide-Board near Gibson there should doubtless :&e one: 
Another between the houses of J. T. Fay and John Stone: 
Near the house of Jna. Rice, on the south road, the third, 
K fourth near the 2nd church, «& by the Guide-Board. 

''K fifth, near the Adams House at the foot of the hill. 
A sixth, at the bridge, and near the bone mill: 
As six is the number which we recommend, 
Our work now is finished, our report will here end. 

"Mr. Moderator, our report on lamps we've now made. 
It may be accepted— or on the table laid: _ 

We hope 'twill be accepted— may the lamps shine out bright. 
When the sun and the moon shall refuse to give light.' 

"Jairus Lincoln, 

For the committee. 

"Jairus Lincoln 
Columbus Eames 

Charles Fayerweather \ Committee.'' 
George C. Davis 
Samuel Gibson J 

It is needless to say that this unique report was accepted, 
and that more light was communicated to the town. 



CHAPTER XXXII 

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS 
COUNT JOHANNES* 

There lived at the Northborough Hotel in its palmy days 
(when the hotel was kept by Mr. Bundy) a man named George 
Jones. The reason for his being there was the fact that he had 
married for his second wife, a sister of Mr. Bundy. Mr. Jones 
was an actor of some note. He went under the name of "Count 
Johannes" — claiming to have received the title from the Pope 
of Rome. 

He had long black hair, black mustache (which he is thought 
to have colored), and wore a camlet cloak. He was a lawyer 
at one time. He was the first actor to play the part of "Claude 
Melnotte," in Bulwer-Lytton's long-famous play, "The Lady 
of Lyons," in Boston. When Sothern presented "The Crushed 
Tragedian," Johannes thought it was intended as a caricature 
of himself, and he sued Sothern. He lost the case. Johannes 
had a daughter, Avlonia Jones, who was a good actress. His 
first wife, Matilda, was a fine actress, who played old women's 
parts. 

The people of Northborough used to laugh at Johannes be- 
cause of his tragic mien. But they had no need to, for Johannes 
was a man of parts. In addition to being an actor he was some- 
thing of a literary man, the following books bearing his name 
on their title pages: 

"The First Annual Jubilee Oration upon the Life, Character 
and Genius of Shakespeare." Delivered at Stratford-Upon- 
Avon, April 23, 1836, before the Royal Shakespeare Club. Five 
Editions. 

"History of Ancient America, Anterior to the Time of Colum- 
bus; Proving the Identity of the Aborigines with the Tyrians 
and Israelites; and the Introduction of Christianity into the 
Western Hemisphere by the Apostle St. Thomas." 1843. 

"A Letter from Count Johannes to the New York Herald, 
Sept. 4, 1869." (In reference to the Stowe-Byron Controversy.) 

*The subject of this sketch has no real place in Northborough History, as he lived in 
the town only a few years. But he was so well-known while he lived here, and a character 
of such general interest in his profession that we think it worth while to notice him. 




THE NORTH BOROUGH HOTEL 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 319 

"The Life and History of General Harrison, Inclusive to the 
Treaty of Washington of August 9, 1842. With Original Letters, 
etc," London, 1844. 

"Tecumseh and the Prophet of the West: an Historical 
Israel-Indian Tragedy in Five Acts. With Historical Notes, 
Original Letters, etc." 2nd Edition. 

THE "BELL" WATERING TROUGH 
Querv is frequently made concerning the "Bell" on the 
Westborough Road, opposite the head of Summer Street, which 
is used as a watering trough. The Rev. Charles G. Simmons, a 
former minister of the Baptist church, is authority for the facts 
stated below: 

When the present Baptist Church was erected, in 1860, the 
bell that had done service in the old church was thought to be 
too small for the new church, so it was exchanged for a larger, 
steel one. The new bell was warranted for a certain length of 
time. Just thirteen days after the guarantee expired the new 
bell "cracked by violent ringing on some public occasion." It 
continued to be used however, for more than thirty years. Mr. 
Wells, who became the minister in 1891, "had an ear for music," 
and he could not stand the harsh, jangling music (or lack of 
music) of the Baptist bell. So he set himself the task of pro- 
curing a new one, "which should be the largest in town." Sub- 
scriptions came easily, for there were many people in town whose 
nerves had been unstrung by the inharmonious clanging of the 
cracked bell. 

A new bell was purchased (the one now in use) and the old 
one put upon the market. But as the other churches in town 
were well supplied with bells, and, as no one else seemed to 
want a cracked bell which its owners had rejected, the Baptist 
Society presented it to the town, to be inverted and used as a 
drinking fountain for thirsty beasts. "So," adds Mr. Simmons, 
"the Baptists are extending their good influences and leaving 
memorials behind them." 

DOUBLE FUNERAL 
A funeral that attracted considerable interest took place in 
Northborough, December 9, 1863. It was a double funeral — 
Captain Joel Bartlett and his wife, Sarah. Private services 
were held at the house, and public services at the Unitarian 
Church. It was the first instance in town of a man and his wife 
being buried at the same time, and in the same grave. Captain 
Bartlett had been a prominent man in his native town, serving as 
selectman for several years and as representative to the General 
Court four years. 



320 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

LITTLE CHAUNCY 

"Little Chauncy" pond gets its name from "Big Chauncy." 
The latter got its name from the Rev. Charles Chauncy, the 
president of Harvard College. Harvard College in its earlier 
days, was more or less under the control of the State. The 
State paid the president's salary. At the time when Mr. 
Chauncy was president, the State having more land than money, 
paid him with a grant of land. That land lay along the shores 
of what is now Chauncy Lake. 

COLD HARBOR MEADOW 

Tradition assigns this name, according to Dr. Allen. He 
says: 

"Cold Harbour Meadow, in the western part of the town, 
so called from the circumstance of a traveller, having lost his 
way, being compelled to remain through a cold winter's night 
in a stack of hay in that place, and on the following morning, 
having made his way through the wilderness to the habitations 
of man, and being asked where he lodged during the night, 
replied, 'In Cold Harbour!' " 

TOMBLIN HILL 

"Tomblin Hill" was so called, from the fact that it was once 
the home of Deacon Isaac Tomblin. He was deacon of the 
Westborough Church, and died in 1745. 

GHOST HILL 

It is said that someone while walking up the hill, saw some- 
thing white which he thought was a ghost. He went home and 
reported that he had seen a ghost. It turned out that he had 
seen a white horse. Since which time the hill has been known as 
"Ghost Hill." 

BALL HILL 

"Ball Hill" got its name from James and Nathan Ball, two 
brothers, who came from Watertown, about 1720. James settled 
on the farm now owned by Mrs. Josie Richardson, and Nathan 
on the farm now owned by Mrs. Joseph W. Seaton. They were 
sons of James Ball, and were of the fifth generation from John 
Ball who came to this country from England in the early part 
of the seventeenth century. James was the father of Dr. 
Stephen Ball, the first physician of Northborough. 

SOLOMON'S POND 
Tradition tells us that "Solomon's Pond" was named from 
the unfortunate incident of an Indian named Solomon who was 
drowned in the pond. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 321 

THE GREAT FIRE 

On the night of July 21 and 22, 1871, Northborough was 
visited by a conflagration of such proportions that it is known 
in history as "The Great Fire." Three buildings were consumed 
in a more or less spectacular manner. These buildings stood 
at the corner of West Main and South streets — one directly on 
the corner, one adjoining it on West Main Street, and one on 
South Street (the latter being a tenement house). The fire 
started in a shed that stood on South Street between two build- 
ings, and spread rapidly to the adjoining buildings. 

The corner building was two stories high — the lower story 
being occupied by the "general store" of J. Wadsworth & Co., 
the upper story by two families. The building on West Main 
Street was also a two-story building, occupied as follows: on 
the lower floor by the postoflice, Wallace's market and Mr. 
Paul's tailor shop; the upper story, by Samuel Clark's office, 
Mr. Daboll's cobbler shop, and a small hall. 

The town was thrown into consternation, for several buildings 
caught fire from flying sparks — notably the roof of the Orthodox 
Church. This church was saved from destruction by the heroic 
efforts of its pastor, Rev. Mr. Dutton. 

The burned buildings were owned by Dr. Barnes (father of 
the present Dr. Henry J. Barnes). 

On the night before this "Great Fire" Dr. Barnes also lost a 
large barn that stood on South Street, adjoining the present 
Yates estate. Twenty head of cattle and quantities of hay were 
consumed in this fire. All this property was a total loss to Dr. 
Barnes ($12,000) for he had no insurance. 



CHAPTER XXXIII 

BOOKS WRITTEN BY NORTHBOROUGH PEOPLE 

We asked an intelligent woman today whether she knew of 
any books that had been written by Northborough people. She 
named one book with the remark, "That is the only one I know 
anything about; are there others?" A similar answer would be 
made by most of our people, if the question were put to them. 
In fact, we have ourselves received that answer from many people. 
We do not think of our town as having ever been active along 
literary lines. And that is an anomaly; for few towns have been 
more devoted to the cause of education than our own. 

We have, from time to time, made diligent investigation along 
this line, and the result which we present herewith, will, we are 
sure, surprise and interest our readers as much as anything in 
the present book. The following is indeed, a surprisingly 
long list of books to have emanated from so small a town. This 
knowledge should give zest to our celebration, as it will surely 
afford an added reason for the pride which we have in our town's 
history. 

PUBLICATIONS OF REV. PETER WHITNEY 

1. "History of the County of Worcester," 1793. 

2. "Two Discourses on the Occasion of a Public Fast," 1774. 

3. "A Sermon on the Declaration of Independence," 1776. 

4. "A Half Century Discourse," 1796. 

5. "An Ordination Charge at Boylston," 1797. 

6. "A Sermon at the Ordination of his Son," 1800. 

7. "A Sermon on the Death of Washington," 1800. 

8. "Address at the Dedication of a Church at Southborough," 
1806. 

9. "A Funeral Sermon at Shrewsbury, on the Wife of Rev. 
Dr. Sumner," 1810. 

Mr. Whitney's "History of the County of Worcester" is 
historically important as being the first history of Worcester 
County ever published. It turns up now and then at the second- 
hand book shops, though not very often. A copy of it may be 
found at the Northborough Free Library. 

The "Two Discourses on the Occasion of a Public Fast" are 
not a dry theological dissertation on piety, as their name would 
seem to imply, but a vigorous discussion "of the dark aspect of 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 323 

our Public affairs" in the days immediately preceding the 
American Revolution — one, treating the subject on its political, 
the other on its moral and social side. A perusal of these Dis- 
courses will give one a keen insight into the patriotic inspiration 
which the inhabitants of Northborough received from the pulpit 
of their Meeting-house. We have never seen but one copy of 
these Discourses, and that is in the possession of Mrs. Edwin S. 
Corey, through whose courtesy we have been made familiar with 
them. 

PUBLICATIONS OF REV. JOSEPH ALLEN, D.D. 

1. "A Funeral Discourse on the Death of Winslow Brigham, 
Jr.," 1818. 

2. "A New Year's Sermon," delivered in Shrewsbury at a 
Meeting of the Worcester Association, 1822. 

3. "History of Northborough," 1826. 

4. "A Fast Sermon — Sources of Public Prosperity," 1828. 

5. "A Sermon on Family Religion," in Liberal Preacher, 
1831. 

6. In 1832, he compiled the first volume of the "Christian 
Monitor," containing his sermon before the Society for Promot- 
ing Knowledge, Piety and Charity; and remarks on the Lord's 
Supper. 

7. "An Address" to the parish at the ordination of Rev. 
Robert F. Walcott, Berlin, 1830. 

8. "A Minister's Account of his Stewardship"; a sermon on 
completing the twenty-fifth year of his ministry, 1841. 

9. "An Address" at the ordination of Rev. Hiram Wi thing- 
ton, Leominster, 1844. 

10. "A Centennial Discourse" on completing a century from 
the organization of the Church, 1846. 

11. "A New Year's Sermon," Monthly Religious Magazine, 
1855. 

12. "An Address" before the Worcester Sunday School 
Society, Lancaster, 1854. 

13. "A Catechism," prepared at the request of the Worcester 
Association, 1822. 

14. "Easy Lessons in Geography and History," for schools, 
of which several editions were published, the first in 1825. 

15. "A Memoir of Rev. Dr. Lathrop, of Springfield," 1823. 

16. "Questions on the Gospels, in Two Parts; Questions on 
the Acts." Many editions were published, the first in 1829. 



324 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

17. Part I of a series of questions on the Old Testament was 
published in 1837, under the title of "questions on the Penta- 
teuch"; but as the work was not called for, he abandoned the 
project. 

18. "An Address," at the Centennial Celebration of the In- 
corporation of Northborough, August 22, 1866. 

19. "Half Century Sermon," on the fiftieth anniversary of 
his settlement in Northborough, October 30, 1866. 

20. "History of the Worcester Association," 1868. 

21. "Historical Sketch of Northborough," written for Hud- 
son's "History of Marlborough." 

Numbers 3, 8, 10, 18, 19 and 21 in the above list are historical, 
and contain a fund of information about the early history of 
Northborough. Dr. Allen's "History of Northborough," No. 3 in 
the list, is almost extinct. We have been able to locate only 
three copies in town, one in the Northborough Free Library, one 
in the Historical Society, and one in the home of Miss M. Evelyn 
Potter. 

BY ABRAHAM WOOD 
"Divine Songs set to Music in Three and Four Parts." 

BY THOMAS W. VALENTINE 

"Fifty Years, a Pilgrimage." An Historical Discourse de- 
livered before the First Baptist Church in Northborough on 
the Semi-centennial Anniversary of its Organization, July 2, 
1877. 

Mr. Valentine also wrote a long poem on Northborough, 
which he read at the Centennial Celebration of the Town in 
1866. It was published in the pamphlet, descriptive of that 
Celebration. 

"The Genealogy of One Branch of the Wood Family." 

BY EDWIN A. DAVIS 
Mr. Edwin A. Davis was a prominent lawyer of Indiana. 
He edited the "Indiana Digest" in 1866 and 1870. 
He edited the "Revised Statutes of Indiana" in 1870. (Two 
important legal works.) 

BY REV. WILLIAM A. HOUGHTON 

Mr. Houghton was the minister of the Evangelical Congre- 
gational Church from 1843 to 1851. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 325 

He wrote the "Semi-centennial of the EvangeHcal Congrega- 
tional Church and Society in Northborough," in 1882. Upon 
leaving Northborough he went to Berlin where he wrote the 
"History of Berlin." 

"Sermon," preached at the dedication of the Evangelical 
Congregational Church. 

BY REV. BENJAMIN H. BAILEY 
"Dedicatory Address" delivered at the Dedication of the 
Gale Library Building, June 12, 1895. 

BY DR. BENJAMIN L. BALL 

"Rambles in Eastern Asia, including China and Manila, 
During Several Years' Residence," 1855. 

(This book was made up from Dr. Ball's diary. The diary 
is very voluminous and contains matter enough to fill a dozen 
volumes like the "Rambles." It is now in the possession of 
Miss Emma A. Barnes, Dr. Ball's niece). 

"Three Days on the White Mountains. Being the perilous 
adventure of Dr. B. L. Ball on Mount Washington during 
October 25, 26 and 27, 1855," Boston, 1856. 

BY OILMAN BIGELOW HOWE 

"Genealogy of the Bigelow Family of America, from the 
Marriage in 1642, of John Bigelow and Mary Warren, to the 
year 1890," Worcester, 1890. 

We may add that Mr. Howe has written another book, as 
yet unpublished, "The Genealogy of Northborough Families 
down to the Year 1850." 

BY REV. JOSEPH HENRY ALLEN, D.D. 

1. "Memoir of Rev. Hiram Withington," 1849. 

2. "Discourses on Orthodoxy," 1849. 

3. "The Great Controversy of States and People," 1851. 

4. "Hebrew Men and Times," 1861. 

5. "Fragments of Christian History," 1880. 

6. "Our Liberal Movement in Theology," 1882. 

7. "Christian History in its Three Great Periods" (3 vols.), 
1882. 

8. "An Historical Sketch of the Unitarian Movement since 
the Reformation," 1894. 

9. "Positive Religion," 1891. (?) 

10. "Outline of Christian History, A. D. 50 to 1880," 1884. 



326 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Translations 
"The Life of Christ." By Renan. 
"Antichrist." By Renan. 
"The Apostles." By Renan. 

BOOKS BY PROF. WILLIAM F. ALLEN 

"Slave Songs of the United States," 1867. 

"Historical Introduction to Ginn's Plutarch," 1886. 

"Germania and Agricola of Tacitus," 1880. 

"Outline Studies in the History of Ireland," 1887. 

"History Topics for High Schools and Colleges," 1888. 

"Reader's Guide to English History," 1888. 

"Short History of the Roman People," 1890. 

Professor Allen also wrote an almost endless number of 
historical essays and reviews which were published in the maga- 
zines of the learned societies. After his death, certain of his 
friends published twenty-one of these historical essays in a 
memorial volume under the title "Monographs and Essays." 

THE LATIN BOOKS 

Who is not familiar with the "Allen and Greenough" series 
of Latin text books? They have been in constant use in the 
high schools and colleges throughout the country for fifty years; 
and they still hold first place. Yet how many of our people 
know that they originated with Northborough people? Such 
is the fact, as the following will testify: 

"Handbook of Classical Geography, Chronology, Mythology 
and Antiquities," 1861. By William F. and T. Prentice Allen. 

"Latin Grammar," 1868. By William F. and Joseph Henry 
Allen. 

"Latin Reader," 1869. By Joseph Henry Allen. 

"Latin Lessons," 1870. By Wm. F. and J. H. Allen. 

"Manual of Latin Grammar," 1870. By W. F. and J. H. 
Allen. 

"Latin Primer," 1870. By Joseph Henry Allen. 

"Latin Lexicon," 1875. By Joseph Henry Allen. 

"An Introduction to Latin Composition," 1870. By Wil- 
liam F. Allen. 

"Annals of Tacitus." Books 1--4, 1890. By William F. 
Allen. 

"Latin Composition," 1877. By William F. Allen. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 327 

"Latin Grammar," 1872. By Joseph H. Allen and James 
B. Greenough. , t tt ah j 

"Sallust's Catiline," 1874. By W. F. and J. H. Allen and 
J. B. Greenough. , t d r- 

"Ovid," 1875. By W. F. and J. H. Allen and J. B. Green- 

°"^"Preparatory Latin Course," 1875. By W. F. and J. H. 
Allen and J. B. Greenough. 

"Latin Selections," 1873. By W. F. and J. H. Allen and 
T. B. Greenough. , ^ tt ah 

"Cicero de Senectute," 1875. By W. F. and J. H. Allen 
and J. B. Greenough. , . tt ah 

"Caesar's Gallic War," 1885. By W. F. and J. H. Allen 
and J. B. Greenough. ^ „r t^ j t u 

"Select Orations of Cicero," 1889. By W. F. and J. H. 
Allen and J. B. Greenough. ^ „r r- j 

"Shorter Course of Latin Prose," 1873. By W. F. and 
J. H. Allen and J. R. Greenough. 

"Virgil," 1875. By W. F. and J. H. Allen and J. B. 
Greenough. 

BY PROF. JOHN MINOT RICE 

Mr. Rice was professor of mathematics at the U. S. Naval 
Academy at Annapolis for nearly thirty years. While there he 
wrote the following books for the use of the cadets : 

1 "The Elements of the Differential Calculus Founded on 
the Method of Rates or Fluxions." Part First. By J. Mmot 
Rice Professor of Mathematics in the United States Navy, 
and W Woolsey Johnson, Professor of Mathematics in Saint 
John's College, Annapolis, Maryland. Printed for the use of 
the Cadets at the U. S. Naval Academy . New York, John Wiley 
& Sons, 15 Astor Place, 1874. 

2. "The Elements of the Differential Calculus Founded on 
the Method of Rates or Fluxions." Part Second. By J. Minot 
Rice, Professor of Mathematics in the United States Navy, and 
W. Woolsey Johnson, Professor of Mathematics in Saint John s 
College, Annapolis, Maryland. Printed for the use of the Cadets 
at the United States Naval Academy. Washington, Govern- 
ment Printing Office, 1875. 

3. "An Elementary Treatise on the Differential Calculus 
Founded on the Method of Rates or Fluxions." By John Minot 
Rice, Professor of Mathematics in the United States Navy, and 
William Woolsey Johnson, Professor of Mathematics in Saint 



328 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

John's College, Annapolis, Maryland. Revised Edition. New 
York, John Wiley & Sons, 15 Astor Place, 1879. 

4. "An Elementary Treatise on the Differential Calculus 
Founded on the Method of Rates or Fluxions." By John Minot 
Rice, Professor of Mathematics in the United States Navy^ and 
William Woolsey Johnson, Professor of Mathematics in Saint 
John's College, Annapolis, Maryland. Abridged Edition. New 
York, John Wiley & Sons, 15 Astor Place, 1880. 

5. "An Elementary Treatise on the Differential Calculus 
Founded on the Method of Rates or Fluxions." By John Minot 
Rice, Professor of Mathematics in the United States Navy, and 
William Woolsey Johnson, Professor of Mathematics at the 
United States Naval Academy. Third Edition Revised and 
Corrected. New York, John Wiley & Sons, 15 Astor Place, 
1886. 

6. "On a New Method of Obtaining the Differentials of 
Functions, with Especial Reference to the Newtonian Concep- 
tion of Rates or Velocities." By Professor J. M. Rice, of the 
United States Naval Academy, and Professor W. W. Johnson, 
of St. John's College, Annapolis, Md. Communicated to the 
American Academy of Arts and Sciences by Professor J. M. 
Pierce, January 14, 1873. Reprinted from the Proceedings of 
the American Academy of Arts and Sciences by Welch, Bigelow 
& Co., University Press, Cambridge, U. S., 1873. 

7. "On a New Method of Obtaining the Differentials of 
Functions, with Especial Reference to the Newtonian Concep- 
tion of Rates or Velocities." By J. Minot Rice, Professor of 
Mathematics in the United States Navy, and W. Woolsey 
Johnson, Professor of Mathematics in Saint John's College, 
Annapolis, Maryland. Revised Edition. New York, D. Van 
Nostrand Publisher, 23 Murray Street and 27 Warren Street, 
1875. 

8. An article in the Proceedings of the United States Naval 
Institute, volume 7, page 447, 1881, "Wave Motion and the 
Resistance of Ships." 

BY PROF. SAMUEL T. MAYNARD 

1. "The Practical Fruit Grower," 1886. 

2. "Landscape Gardening as applied to Home Decoration," 
1899. (This book was published in England, also.) 

3. "The Small Country Place," 1908. 

4. "Successful Fruit Culture," 1905. Also, numerous arti- 
cles in Horticultural and Agricultural papers and magazines. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 329 

BY EDWIN P. SEAVER 

1. "The Formulas of Plane and Special Trigonometry," 
1871. 

2. "The Professional Training of Teachers," 1890. 

3. "The Measure of a Teacher's Efficiency," 1906. 

In collaboration with George A. Walton, Mr. Seaver wrote: 

1. "Key to the Franklin Written Arithmetic," 1878. 

2. "The Franklin Written Arithmetic, with Examples for 
Oral Practice," 1880. 

3. "The Metric System of Weights and Measures," 1882. 

4. "The Franklin Elementary Algebra," 1882. 

5. "New Franklin Arithmetic," 1895. 

BY MRS. OLIVE E. (FAIRBANKS) TIFFANY 
"Flora Poems and Others." 

BY CAROLINE E. HILLIARD 
"Lessons in Botany." 

BY JOHN D. ESTABROOK 
"The Davis Family in Northborough." 

BY REV. CHARLES S. PEASE 
"The Life of Luther Rice." (This book has not been pub- 
lished. The manuscript is in the possession of the Northborough 
Historical Society.) 

BY J. ALLEN JOHNSON 
"The Oscillograph and Its Applications." Published by 
the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, in March, 1908. It was 
also published in pamphlet form. 

BY REV. JOSIAH COLEMAN KENT 
"Ten Years in Northborough," 1906 

PUBLICATIONS OF HENRY J. BARNES, M.D., HARVARD, 1872 
(Late Professor of Hygiene, Tufts Medical School.) 
"Excavation of the Water Basins of Boston." {Boston 
Medical and Surgical Journal, January 26, 1882.) 

"Boston's Water Supply." {Boston City Document, 129, 
1883.) 



330 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"Sewerage Systems and the Epuration of Sewage by Irriga- 
tion and Agriculture." (Baltimore Sanitarian, September, 1884.) 

"Sewage, Application to Land the Best Method of Treat- 
ment." (Boston Medical and Surgical Journal, March 5 and 12, 
1891.) 

"The Arid Atmosphere of Our Houses in Winter." Transac- 
tions of American Public Health Association. (Phil., 1898, part 
2, vol. 4.) 

"Control of Respiratory Diseases." Annals of Gynecology 
and Pediatry. (Boston, May, 1908). 

Many other papers on the subject of sanitation. 

BY MISS CORA SMALL 
"History of the Northborough Free Library." 



CHAPTER XXXIV 
NORTHBOROUGH IN THE WORLD WAR 

[Note: Northborough had a part, and a large part, in the great World 
War. She rose to the occasion grandly, and performed her part in a large- 
hearted way. Her people were united, and from the begmnmg to the end, 
worked together as one man. She went "over the top" m everything— men, 
money, work. The story of her activities may be told in the usual style ot 
local historians, but such a story would leave much to be desired. Only the 
names of a few participants could find place in such a record. There mustot 
necessity be a few leading people in such a large work, and their names would 
naturally occur frequently. But in the present case, where everybody had 
a part in the successful work of "winning the war, it seems to the author 
that a different style of narrative would give a more comprehensive and 
satisfactory record of what the town did and how it did it. 

During the war the author kept a complete and careful diary of its progress. 
He wrote down at night everything that was done during the day. Many 
things that were done have long since been forgotten. Yet they are all 
necessary to any complete record. He thinks it better, therefore, to tell the 
story of Northborough's part in the War in the language of his diary; tor 
that shows the spirit with which the town performed its work.] 

A GREAT CRISIS 
February 1, 1917, Thursday. A few days ago, Germany sent 
a note to our Government, and to other neutral states, saying 
that beginning today she is going to engage in a ruthless war 
with her submarines; that she has established a war zone 
around the English, French, and Italian coasts, and that she 
purposes to sink all vessels going to or coming from those 
countries, including neutral ships. She furthermore warns the 
United States that she will allow only one American ship to enter 
and depart from an English port, a week, and that port must he 
Falmouth. 

This means that she will break her word to our Government 
so solemnly given after the sinking of the "Sussex" several 
months ago. At that time President Wilson told Germany 
that if German submarines torpedoed a single ship which carried 
Americans he would break off diplomatic relations with her. 

Since then more than thirty American lives have been sacri- 
ficed and the President has done nothing about it. But now, 
this threat to sink neutral ships has aroused the country, and 
has created the greatest crisis since the war began. The country 
is in a ferment over it. 



332 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

THE EYES OF THE WORLD 

February 2, 1917 , Friday. The eyes of the world are on Presi- 
dent Wilson today. Everyone is waiting to see what he will do. 
It is thought that he will take action either today or to- 
morrow. Everyone expects him to break off relations with that 
pirate country. Are we to be drawn into the war at last? 

WILSON BREAKS WITH GERMANY 

February 3, 1917 , Saturday. President Wilson delivered an 
address before Congress yesterday at two o'clock. He re- 
hearsed some of the correspondence he had had with Germany 
and finally spoke of the German note which I mentioned on 
February 1. He then said in substance, that Germany had 
not kept her word, and that therefore there was nothing else 
for him to do but to sever diplomatic relations with her. "This 
I have done." 

It was done in this way: At the very moment that the Presi- 
dent began to address Congress (2 o'clock sharp) , a messenger 
from the State Department appeared at the German Embassy 
and handed the German Ambassador — Count von Bernstorff — 
his passports. This was the President's reply to Germany's 
insolent note of February 1. 

The Ambassador was not surprised; in fact, he said later to 
the newspaper correspondents "there was nothing else the 
President could do, under the circumstances." 

In his address to Congress the President said: "I have given 
the German Ambassador his passports. This is not war. But 
the first overt act that German submarines commit I shall take the 
liberty of appearing before you again and ask you to put into 
my hands the means necessary to defend our national honor." 

OUR AMBASSADOR 

February 13, 1917, Tuesday. Our Ambassador, JamesW. Gerard, 
has been held practically a prisoner for a week. He was not al- 
lowed to leave Germany until that country was assured that we 
were not holding the crews of her interned ships which are in our 
ports. His telephone wires were cut so he could not communi- 
cate with the United States consuls. He was not permitted to 
communicate with his home government. He finally left 
Germany on Sunday night. Before allowing him to leave, 
however, they tried to coerce him into signing a protocol saying 
that the United States still upheld the treaty of 1828. Of 
course he refused. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 333 

THE "LACONIA" 
February 27, 1917, Tuesday. The Cunard liner "Laconia" 
was torpedoed on Sunday night and ten American hves were 
lost Is this the "overt act" that President Wilson has been 
waiting for? Since the President delivered his address on 
February 3, two American ships have been sunk and two or 
three lives lost. Now comes the sinking of the Laconia with 
the loss of ten American lives. 

THE "ALGONQUIN" 
March 14, 1917, Wednesday. Germany sinks an American ves- 
sel with her notorious submarines. No lives were lost; but the 
crew of seventeen were placed in jeopardy The name of the 
vessel was the "Algonquin." She was fired upon, but as the 
shots were not effective the officers of the submarine boarded 
her and blew her up with bombs. She was unprotected and 
unarmed; and the submarine refused to render any assistance 
to the wrecked crew. 

THE OVERT ACT? 
March 19 1917, Monday. German submarines sank three 
American ships yesterday, two of which were sailing westward, 
and without warning. Does this constitute the overt act 
which President Wilson declared would be the last straw.'' 1 his 
makes five since February 3. Is the President waiting for a 
German warship to sail up the Potomac River and bombard the 
White House? 

ONE MORE 
March 23, 1917, Friday. Another American vessel sunk by 
a German "U-Brute," as the submarines ^re now called 
This time it is the "Healdton," an oil-laden ship. And she 
was sunk on that part of the high seas which Germany de- 
clared to be safe for neutrals. Twenty men were sent to their 
deaths, seven of whom were Americans. 
The country is becoming restless. 

PRESIDENT WILSON CALLS OUT THE NATIONAL GUARD 
March 26, 1917, Monday. President Wilson called out the 
National Guard yesterday and today-thirty-four regiments 
in several states. The purpose of this mobilization is to protect 
bridges, tunnels, factories, etc., against possible destruction by 
cranks and other unpatriotic citizens. "An ounce of preven- 
tion, etc." 



334 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

It seemed necessary to record the above incidents because 
they immediately preceded our entrance into the war, and led 
directly to it; also, they show that our country did not enter 
the war hastily, but was fairly forced into it to protect her 
honor. 

By this time the whole country was in a ferment and was 
beginning to prepare itself for the inevitable. In the meantime, 
President Wilson had been inducted into office for the second 
time (March 5), and Congress had expired by constitutional 
limitation. Late in March, the President issued a call for the 
convening of the new Congress in special session on April 2, at 
which time it was expected that definite action would be taken. 

NORTHBOROUGH PREPARES 

On Monday evening, March 26, 1917, the following gentle- 
men met at Grand Army Hall to talk over the situation with a 
view to forming a Committee of Public Safety: Dr. J. M. Stanley, 
Frank W. Eames, Frederick B. Van Ornum, Ezra H. Bigelow, 
Harry F. Allen, William R. Frazer, William W. Warren, Clarence 
N. Nelson, and Frank E. Haskell. 

Harry F. Allen and Frank E. Haskell outlined the purpose 
for which the meeting was called. A general discussion ensued, 
led by Dr. J. M. Stanley. "The sentiment expressed was, that 
our nation faced a very grave and dangerous international 
crisis, and that every citizen should prepare himself to be of 
some service to his town, state, and nation in the impending war 
with Germany. It was thought best, however, to communicate 
with the State Authorities on Public Safety before formulating 
any definite plan of organization for the town." [Public Safety 
Records]. 

A temporary organization was effected with Harry F. Allen 
and Frank E. Haskell, Chairman and Secretary, respectively. 
After voting, on motion of Mr. Eames, "that the Board of Select- 
men be asked to communicate with the state authorities to find out 
how the town could best organize so as to be of most use to the 
state and nation in the present crisis," and after authorizing the 
chairman to call another meeting after such information shall have 
been received, the meeting adjourned. 

Two days later, March 28, another meeting was held at the 
selectmen's room, at which the following gentlemen were 
present: Dr. J. M. Stanley, Dr. J. L. Coffin, Tarbell P. Haskell, 
Rev. J. C. Kent, Frederick B. Van Ornum, Rev. F. L. Bristol, 
Holland Coffin, William A. Crossley, Chester W. Hunt, William 
R. Frazer, Harry F. Carbrey, Harry F. Allen, John W. Allen, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 335 

Allison I. Duplissis, Thomas F. Lonergan, Rev. A. T. Ringold, 
and Frank E. Haskell. 

In the meantime, literature had been received from the 
State Public Safety Committee. This was read. And it was 
voted that the several committees suggested by the State Com- 
mittee, be raised by our Committee. After further discussion 
of the general situation, it was voted, on motion of Thomas F. 
Lonergan, "that we call a mass meeting for sometime in the near 
future, preferably Wednesday, April 4." 

The meeting then adjourned. 

THE NEW CONGRESS CONVENES IN EXTRA SESSION, AND 
PRESIDENT WILSON SPEAKS 

April 2, 1917, Monday. The 65th Congress convened in 
extra session today and President Wilson delivered his long- 
expected address. He unhesitatingly takes up the guantlet 
which Germany so impudently threw down. It is a great speech 
and will go down in history as a great state paper. He tells the 
world exactly why America enters the war. He gives Germany 
the greatest excoriation that a nation ever received. It is a 
knock-out blow from which that country will never recover. 
He puts Germany exactly where she belongs. The moral effect 
of this great speech upon the world will be tremendous. In the 
course of his address President Wilson said : 

"The present German submarine warfare against commerce 
is a warfare against mankind. It is a war against all nations. 
American ships have been sunk, American lives taken, in ways 
which it has stirred us very deeply to learn of, but the ships and 
people of other neutral and friendly nations have been sunk 
and overwhelmed in the same way. There has been no discrim- 
ination. The challenge is to all mankind. Each nation must 
decide for itself how it will meet it. The choice we make for 
ourselves must be made with a moderation of counsel and a 
tempera teness of judgment befitting our character and our 
motives as a nation. We must put excited feeling away. Our 
motives will not be revenge or of victorious assertion of the 
physical might of the nation, but only the vindication of right, 
of human right, of which we are only a single champion. 

"With a profound sense of the solemn and even tragical 
character of the step I am taking and of the grave responsibilities 
which it involves, but in unhesitating obedience to what I 
deem my constitutional duty, / advise that the Congress declare the 
recent course of the Imperial German Government to be in fact nothing 
less than war against the government and people of the United 



336 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



States; that it formally accept the status oj belligerent which has thus 
been thrust upon it; and that to take immediate steps not only to 
put the country iji a more thorough state of defense but also to exert 
all its power and employ all its resources to bring the Government 
of the German Empire to terms and end the war.'' 

WAR DECLARED 

In response to this advice of the President, the United States 
Senate passed the War Resolution, on April 5, by a vote of 
eigthy-two to six; and the House of Representatives passed it on 
April 6, by a vote of three hundred and seventy-three to sixty. 

MASS MEETING IN TOWN HALL 

April 4, 1917, Wednesday. The following notice, on postal 
cards, was mailed quite generally to the citizens of Northborough, 
on March 30: 



Citizens' Patriotic Meeting, Northborough 

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN PREPAREDNESS? 

If so, show it by turning out! If not, come and we 
will MAKE you interested and arouse your Patriotism 
on Wednesday, April 4, 1917 . 

Time 8 o'clock / p y, \ ^^ Discuss and Take 

Place Town Hall \ / Immediate Steps to Help 

and Protect our Town, State and Country in case of War, 

We meet to organize Committees on Public Safety 
to co-operate with those of the State. 

Come and learn the details. Bring your family and 
tell your neighbor to do the same! Out of town 
Speaker. Music. 
Make it a Big Night — Fill the Hall! Wednesday, at 8. 

Frank E. Haskell, Temporary Secretary. 



The above notice brought out an audience that filled our 
large town hall. 

(The following account of the meeting is taken from the 
records of the Public Safety Committee.) 

The meeting was called to order by the temporary chairman, 
Harry F. Allen. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 337 

Dr. John L. Coffin was then elected permanent chairman, 
and Harry F. Allen, permanent secretary. Prayer was offered 
by Rev. A. T. Ringold, pastor of the Baptist Church. Music 
was furnished by the Northborough Brass Band. 

Dr. Coffin in a brief introductory address, outlined the 
purpose of the meeting, and then introduced Mr. Henry H. 
Chamberlain of Worcester, who was sent out by the State Com- 
mittee of Public Safety, to explain to the citizens of Northborough 
the purposes and scope of the organization. He told something 
of the work as it has been organized in Worcester and offered 
suggestions as to a similar work in Northborough. Dr. J. M. 
Stanley was then called on, who spoke of our dangers within and 
without, and who emphasized the gravity of the situation. 
Rev. James A. Hurley, pastor of the Catholic Church, spoke on 
the need of loyalty and the necessity of systematic preparation 
for whatever need may arise, and he urged all to stand by the 
President of the United States in this great crisis. George A. 
Brigham spoke briefly of the town's record for loyalty, and 
expressed the belief that Northborough would be as loyal in 
the present crisis as she had been at all other times. Rev. J. 
C. Kent, pastor of the Unitarian Church, spoke of President 
Wilson's address to Congress as setting forth very clearly the 
causes for our country entering the War, and warned us to be 
careful to distinguish between the German people and the 
present German government. Mr. Louis P. Howe of Marl- 
borough spoke briefly on the work of the Red Cross. 

The meeting then proceeded to raise the following committees: 
(Two or three names on this list were added by the Executive 
Committee a little later). 

Executive Committee: Dr. Josiah M. Stanley, George A. 
Brigham, Ezra H. Bigelow, Herman L. Sparrow, Rev. James A. 
Hurley, and the permanent chairman and secretary of the 
General Committee — Dr. John L. Coffin and Harry F. Allen. 

Finance Committee: William J. Potter, Harold E. Fitts, Mrs. 
Sarah E. Emery, and Alfred Thomas. 

Publicity Committee: Dr. John L. Coffin, Harry F. Allen, and 
Harry F. Carbrey. 

Public Works Committee: 'Ezra. H. Bigelow, Martin H. Ryan, 
and Hiram G. Collins. 

Food Production and Conservation Committee: George A. 
Brigham, Frederick B. Van Ornum, Rev. J. C. Kent, Clarence 
E. Buckley, Herman L. Sparrow, Mrs. Herbert L. Kimball, 
Mrs. Walter O. Brigham, Mrs. John L. Coffin, Mrs. Noah Wads- 
worth, Mrs. Alfred Thomas, and Walter O. Brigham. 



338 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Home Guards Committee: Allison I. Duplissis, William P. 
Marshall, Fred J. Proctor, Chester W. Hunt, and Frank E. 
Haskell. 

Transportation Committee: Thomas F. Lonergan, John W. 
Allen, and Harry J. England. 

Industrial Survey Committee: Thomas H. Blair, Frank W. 
Eames, and Ralph E. Wadsworth. 

Correspondence Committee: Rev. Josiah C. Kent, Rev. Andrew 
T. Ringold, Rev. Frank L. Bristol, and Rev. James A. Hurley. 

After the singing of "America" by the audience, the bene- 
diction was pronounced by Rev. Frank L. Bristol. 

At a meeting of the Executive Committee held on April 18, 
the following committee was appointed : 

Volunteer Aid Committee: Miss Abbie Small, Mrs. Stanley 
Stephenson, Mrs. Henry G. Corey, Mrs. George E. Armour, Mrs. 
William H. Marshall, and Rev. J. C. Kent. 

Before the autumn set in some of our young men had entered 
the military service and had already departed for the military 
camps. Governor McCall had, in the meantime, established a 
Soldiers' Information Bureau whose duty it should be to keep 
track of the service men. And he earnestly requested that 
every town should raise a local committee with this object in 
view. The Executive Committee, in compliance with this 
request, appointed the following: 

Soldiers' Information Bureau: Rev. J. C. Kent, Miss Abbie 
Small, and Mrs. William Marshall. 

On September 26, the Executive Committee appointed Mrs- 
Herbert L. Kimball a member of the Women's Committee of 
the Council of National Defence. 

During the winter of 1917 the United States Government 
sought to encourage thrift on the part of the children. It did 
this by issuing Thrift Stamps, which could be purchased at the 
postofifice for twenty-five cents. These were to be pasted into 
a book (which the Government furnished), and when a child had 
sixteen such stamps they could be exchanged for a War Stamp. 
On January 21, 1918, the Executive Committee appointed the 
following: 

Thrift Stamp Committee: Dr. John L. Coffin, Postmaster 
Martin H. Ryan, Superintendent of Schools Frederick B. Van 
Ornum, and Dr. J. M. Stanley. 

On March 20, 1918, Allyn D. Phelps was appointed agent 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 339 

for enrollment of shipbuilders' employees. The following were 
also appointed: 

Fuel Committee: Alfred Thomas, George Sherman, and 
Clarence E. Buckley. 

On March 27, 1918, Mr. George Sherman was appointed 
supervisor of Food Supply and John W. Allen as supervisor of 
Children's Gardens. 

The various committees got speedily to work and most of 
them found plenty to do. The Executive Committee especially, 
was a very busy committee. They held frequent meetings, and 
every little while had the chairmen of the numerous sub-com- 
mittees appear before them to give an account of the progress 
their various committees were making. This work was con- 
tinued throughout the war. 

THE AQUEDUCT GUARDED 

April 6, 1917, Friday. A squad of nine militiamen from the 
2nd Regiment came to town today to guard the Aqueduct 
Bridge at Woodside. This is very important, for if the aque- 
duct should be destroyed it would cut off Boston's water supply. 
Thus, is the World War brought to Northborough. 

This action became necessary, for already many attempts 
have been made to blow up factories and to cut off water supplies, 
throughout the country. 

FLAG RAISING AT WOODSIDE 

April 18, 1917, Wednesday. There was a flag-raising at the 
Woodside Mills this afternoon at 5 o'clock. The large flag was 
purchased by the employees of the Taylor Manufacturing Com- 
pany, and was hung across the street. Rev. Frank L. Bristol 
and Rev. J. C. Kent delivered patriotic addresses, and music was 
furnished by the Northborough Brass Band. Many people 
were present. 

FLAG RAISING 

There was a flag-raising at the Evangelical Congregational 
Church on Sunday, April 15. After the morning service, the 
congregation repaired to the lawn in front of the church where a 
special patriotic service was held and the Stars and Stripes 
was raised on a staff projecting from over the front entrance of 
the church. Rev. Frank L. Bristol (who has a son in the service) 
delivered a telling patriotic address. 



340 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

PATRIOTS* DAY, APRIL 19, 1917 

Patriots' Day, 1917, will long be remembered in North- 
borough. It was a beautiful spring day. The employees of 
the Consolidated Street Railway Company purchased a beautiful 
flag and raised it over their car barn at 10.30 o'clock. The occa- 
sion was a notable one. The Northborough Brass Band, the 
Boy Scouts, the school children, some of the militiamen who are 
guarding the aqueduct, and a few of the Grand Army men as- 
sembled in the square, formed a procession and marched to the 
car barn on South Street. There, a platform had been erected 
for the speechmaking. 

The Stars and Stripes was raised to the mast head, a salute 
was fired by the militiamen, the "Star Spangled Banner" was 
played by the band and sung by the children, a salute to the 
flag was given by the children, other patriotic songs were sung, 
and addresses were delivered by the following speakers: Rev. 
J. C. Kent, pastor of the Unitarian Church, Mr. Rooney, an 
officer of the Railroad Men's Union, Rev. James A. Hurley, 
pastor of the Catholic Church, Rev. Andrew T. Ringold, pastor 
of the Baptist Church, and Dr. John L. Coflin. 

All the speakers were imbued with the spirit of the day and 
delivered their addresses in a vigorous and effective manner. 
The whole service was one of great dignity and of patriotic fervor; 
and the large gathering present felt that the day had been appro- 
priately celebrated. 

In the afternoon, at 3 o'clock, a meeting was held in Grand 
Army Hall (opposite the library) in the interests of the Red 
Cross Society. More than one hundred people were present. 
The Hon. Charles G. Washburn of Worcester, gave a very 
instructive address on the purposes of the society. Mr. 
Greely of Marlborough gave a talk on the details of organiza- 
tion, and at the close of the meeting a Branch of the American 
Red Cross was temporarily effected. 

Altogether, Patriots' Day, 1917, is likely to be long remem- 
bered in Northborough. 

BUSY DAYS 

April 22, 1917. These are busy days for everybody. At 
the Mass Meeting held on April 4, many sub-committees were 
appointed for various divisions of the work of the Public Safety 
Committee, and those committees have been busy ever since 
planning their respective work. Last Monday evening, April 
16, the Home Guard Committee held an open meeting in the 
town hall and voted to establish a military training school. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 341 

Nearly fifty people joined it, and Mr. Frederick A. King has 
since offered to drill them. 

On Wednesday evening, April 18, the Executive Committee 
held a meeting at the Selectmen's room; following which, at the 
same place, the Committee on Food Conservation held a meeting 
and formulated certain plans. Among the things this committee 
did was to appoint its lady members a special committee to work 
with and through the women of the town. That committee lost 
no time in getting to work, and today, Sunday, April 22, they 
had the following appeal read in all the churches: 

'To the Women of Northhorough: 

"In consequence of the great shortage of food throughout 
the whole world, and the probable embargoes on freights after 
the Government begins to use the railroads for the transportation 
of our armies and their supplies, and in behalf of the Committee 
on Food Production and Conservation, we (the undersigned 
lady members of aforesaid committee) do hereby implore the 
women of Northborough to practice rigid economy in their 
households in the use of food supplies, so as" to provide for the 
coming winter. Preserving, canning, and drying in larger 
quantities than heretofore is especially necessary during the coming 
weeks and extending through the entire season of fruits and 
vegetables, if we wish to avoid the pangs of hunger before another 
spring. 

"The co-operation and assistance of this committee is 
assured to any and all who may desire it in the prosecution of 
this work. 

"Signed, Mrs. Blanche E. Kimball, 
Mrs. Annie W. Coffin, 
Mrs. Alice L. Brigham, 
Mrs. Almira A. Wadsworth." 

FLAG DAY AT UNITARIAN CHURCH 

May 20, 1917. Flag Day was observed at the Unitarian 
Church today. A special service was arranged for the occasion 
which included bugle call, presentation of flag, salute to flag by 
the Sunday-school, and a patriotic sermon by Mr. Kent. 

It was a very impressive service. The flag was presented by 
Mr. Levi Whitcomb on behalf of the donors. Mr. Whitcomb 
is a veteran of the Civil War and of the Battle of Gettysburg, 
and was in his Grand Army uniform. It was planned to have 
two flags, a national and a state; but the latter could not be 
obtained, owing to the fact that the Government has bought 
up all the bunting in the country. It is almost impossible to 



342 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

buy any kind of a flag at this time. And such as may be bought 
cost twice as much as they did six months ago. 

Mr. Kent received the flag from the hand of Comrade Whit- 
comb and putting it into place, he apostrophized it thus: 

Our Flag 

What shall I say to you, old flag? 
You are so grand in every fold, 
So linked with mighty deeds of old. 
So steeped in blood where heroes fell, 
So torn and pierced by shot and shell, 
So calm, so still, so firm, so true. 
My throat swells at the sight of you, old flag. 

What of the men who lifted you, old flag. 
Upon the top of Bunker's Hill, 
Who crushed the Briton's cruel will, 
'Mid shock and roar and crash and scream, 
Who crossed the Delaware's frozen stream. 
Who starved, who fought, who bled, who died. 
That you might float in glorious pride, old flag? 

What of the women, brave and true, old flag, 
Who, while the cannon thundered wild 
Sent forth a husband, lover, child; 
Who labored in the field by day 
And all the night long knelt to pray, 
And thought that God great mercy gave 
If only freely you might wave, old flag? 

What is your mission now, old flag? 
W^hat but to set all people free. 
To rid the world of misery. 
To guard the right, avenge the wrong 
And gather in one joyous throng 
Beneath your folds, in close embrace, 
All burdened ones of ev'ry race, old flag. 

Right nobly do you lead the way, old flag; 
Your stars shine out for liberty. 
Your white stripes stand for purity. 
Your crimson claims that courage high 
For honor's sake to fight and die! 
Lead on against the alien shore. 
We'll follow you e'er to death's door, old flag! 

— Anon 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 343 

MEMORIAL DAY, 1917 

Memorial Day was observed in town today as usual — exercises 
in the town hall at 2 o'clock, march to the cemetery and service 
at the monument. I have never seen anywhere, Memorial 
Day exercises carried out with greater dignity and reverence and 
beauty and solemnity than here in Northborough. This was 
especially true of the service today, for the pall of the Great War 
seemed to hang over us with its anxious forebodings. We have 
been having three days of cold, northeast storm. Today, the 
forenoon was overcast, but the sun came out about two o'clock 
and smiled benignly upon us during the rest of the day. I 
think we never appreciated the sunshine more than we did today. 

The war lent a sombreness to the day which it does not 
always have. Rev. J. C. Kent, pastor of the Unitarian Church, 
made that the subject of his oration at the town hall. The hall 
was well filled, and everybody present seemed to feel the presence 
of the great calamity. Not since 1861 have we experienced such 
times as the present. The presence of several National Guards- 
men in uniform made us all conscious of the fact that our troops 
will soon be leaving for service in France. 

PATRIOTIC MEETING 

June 4, 1917, Monday. A patriotic meeting was held in the 
town hall this evening under the auspices of the Public Safety 
Committee. The hall was crowded. It does not take much of 
an effort to get out an audience these days, for everybody is 
interested in the war and wants to know what our town is doing. 

Dr. John L. Coffin, chairman of the Public Safety Committee, 
presided, with the dignity and felicity for which he is well-known. 

The following program was rendered : 
Music: By the Northborough Brass Band. 
Invocation: By Rev. Frank L. Bristol. 
Song: By the High School. 
Address: By Dr. John L. Coffin. 

Report of Executive Committee: By Dr. Josiah M. Stanley. 
Report of Food Production Committee: By George A. Brigham, 

and Mrs. Herbert L. Kimball. 
Address: By Mr. Dearth, of Worcester. 

Report of Committee on Public Works: By Ezra H. Bigelow. 
Report of Committee on Home Guard: By Allison I. Duplissis. 
Report of Committee on Transportation: By Thomas 
Lonergan. 



344 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Drill : By Boy Scouts. 
Song: By High School. 

Talks on Liberty Bonds: By Ed. J. Sawyer and E. B. Moore, 
of Worcester. 

Talk on his recent trip to Europe: By Alfred Thomas. 
"America": By the audience. 
Benediction: By Rev. J. C. Kent. 

The purpose of this meeting was to keep the townspeople 
informed as to what the Public Safety Committee is doing; and 
in this purpose it was very successful. For all the committees 
had been hard at work and had much to report. 

REGISTRATION DAY 

June 6, 1917, Wednesday. Yesterday was Registration Day. 
All the young men in the country between the ages of twenty- 
one and thirty-one years were obliged to register their names 
for possible military service. Over ten million men registered 
in the country, and one hundred thirty-one in Northborough. 
It was thought that there might be disturbances here and there, 
but the papers tonight say there was not so much disturbance 
as there is on a presidential election day. 

This registration was necessitated by the "Draft Bill" which 
was passed by Congress a few weeks ago. The President is 
about to raise a large army for service in France and he very 
wisely (as I think) demanded a conscription law which would 
enable him to raise that army by conscription. The volunteer 
system of raising an army is not a success, especially for a war 
of such magnitude as the present one. Conscription is the 
only democratic way — that is fair for all. 

June 5, 1917, will rank among the important dates in our 
country's calendar; for this registration I regard as one of the 
most momentous events that ever took place in our political 
history: it marks a departure for our country. 

RED CROSS WEEK 

The week beginning June 18, was designated as "Red Cross 
Week." The whole country united in a "drive"* for $100,000,- 
000 for the use of that noble society which throughout the war, 
and after, performed such humane work for the soldiers. The 
part that Northborough had in this drive is told under section 
"Red Cross." 

♦The word "Drive" in this connection was used very extensively throughout the war. 
Large sums of money were frequently called for for various purposes and the country united 
in one big effort for it. These efforts were called "drives." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 345 

PRESENTATION OF FLAGS 

September 23, 1917 , Thursday. A very pretty service was 
held in Grand Army Hall this evening. It was held under 
the auspices of the "Women's Relief Corps," who called 
it "Flag Night." The chief feature of the evening was the 
presentation of two flags by the Corps to Troops I and II of the 
Boy Scouts. The Rev. A. T. Ringold, pastor of the Baptist 
Church, gave a most interesting and instructive talk on "What 
the Flag Means." He presented the subject in such a telling 
way that it made a deep impression, not only on the Boy Scouts 
but on the older people as well. 

It was a very pretty patriotic service which the boys will 
long remember. 

WAR LIBRARY FUND 

October 9, 1917 , Tuesday. I presided over a special meeting 
of the Trustees of the Northborough Free Library this after- 
noon. Last week there was raised throughout the country one 
million dollars for the purpose of erecting and equipping libraries 
in our army camps at home and abroad. 

Northborough was asked to raise a sum that would amount 
to five per cent of her population. That would be about $80 
or $85. The Trustees set themselves the task of raising $100. 

The meeting today was called for the purpose of settling 
accounts. Reports showed a collection of $118. It would have 
exceeded that sum had I not telephoned the trustees to stop 
collecting (several days ago), as we already had enough. Our 
thought was, that it were better to do this, in view of the fact 
that calls for money are so numerous, and are likely to continue 
as long as the war lasts. 

I may add now that in addition to the contribution of money 
the library contributed several hundred volumes which were 
specially donated for that purpose. In this matter, too, the 
contributions were so generous that the trustees were obliged 
to cry "enough." 

Y. M. C. A. FUND 

The Young Men's Christian Association is doing a great 
work for the soldiers. That work is too diversified to be spoken 
of in detail; nor is it necessary, for the work is too well-known. 
The Association started out a few days ago to raise a fund of 
$35,000,000 throughout the country. The people responded 
so liberally that when the books were closed they showed dona- 
tions of more than $50,000,000. 



346 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Northborough responded liberally, as usual, contributing 
$1157. I am increasingly proud of Northborough. Ever since 
the war began she has over-subscribed her quota in everything. 

The committee who had charge of this drive were: George 
A. Brigham, Chairman; Norman B. Potter, Treasurer; C.Mont- 
ford Brigham, Secretary; George H. Felt, Edward H. Smith, 
Frederick B. Van Ornum, Samuel L. McCool, Harold Moore, 
Edwin S. Corey, Harry F. Allen, Martin Ryan, and Frank St. 
Onge. 

HALIFAX FUND 

December 9-16, 1917. The State of Massachusetts has been 
gathering funds this week to aid the Halifax sufferers. There was 
a terrible explosion in Halifax Harbor a few days ago. A large 
vessel laden with war munitions and T.N.T., a powerful explo- 
sive, was just starting for France when she was run into by 
another vessel. 

A frightful explosion ensued which completely destroyed a 
large part of the city, killing outright 1,200 people, and injur- 
ing several thousand more, and making 20,000 people homeless. 

The Public Safety Committee of Northborough held a meeting 
in the town hall on Sunday afternoon, and after discussing the 
terrible catastrophe, appointed a special committee to gather 
funds to aid the sufferers. The committee was as follows : 

Herbert L. Kimball, for the East District. 

George Howe, for the South District. 

Clarence E. Buckley, for the North District. 

Everett Valentine, for the West District. 

Fred J. Proctor, for the Center District. 

Harry Whittaker, for the Chapinville, Woodside District. 

This committee collected $609.96 — a truly munificent con- 
tribution, considering the frequency of the calls made upon the 
town within the past few months. 

NORTHBOROUGH'S FIRST SACRIFICE 

January 24, 1918, Thursday. Northborough has made her 
first sacrifice to the cause of world-wide democracy, and the 
frightful cost of the Great War has been brought close home to 
our people. 

Three days ago, word came to Dr. Ira C. Guptill that Adolph 
Christian Nelson had died in a naval hospital at Brooklyn, N. Y., 
on Sunday, January 20. The news of his death quickly spread, 
and in a short time the whole town was engulfed in sorrow. 

Adolph Christian Nelson was born in Concord, Mass., Decem- 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 347 

ber 9, 1892, the son of Bernhard and Anna Nelson. As a young 
boy, he came to Northborough and lived several years in the 
family of Dr. Ira C. Guptill, in the center of the town, opposite 
the Northborough Inn (in the house now owned by David E. 
Place). He always considered Northborough his home, for 
Dr. and Mrs. Guptill were very fond of him and treated him as 
they would have treated their own son. Adolph grew up in 
this town, attended our public schools and was graduated from 
the Northborough High School in 1912. He was a good boy in 
every sense of the word, clean in mind and life. He possessed 
a beautiful spirit which was reflected in his sparkling eyes. It 
was a pleasure to look into his brilliant eyes. They were frank- 
ness itself; they never faltered; they concealed nothing; they 
expressed the cheerful spirit behind them. His schoolmates 
loved him — as did older people who knew him well, for he was 
conscientious to the last degree. 

After leaving the high school he was a student at Clark 
College in Worcester for some months. Then he went to Cali- 
fornia where, for a while he was a student at the University of 
California. He returned to the East in 1916. In April, 1917, 
he enlisted in the United States Navy a few days after our 
country entered the Great War. He was stationed at South 
Boston (at the Commonwealth Pier, which has been converted 
into a training station). Later he was transferred to the United 
States Battleship "Georgia." While serving on this ship he con- 
tracted inflammatory rheumatism, and was taken to the naval 
hospital at Brooklyn, N. Y., for treatment. He apparently 
recovered, and was assigned to the United States ship "Leviathan." 
But his recovery was only apparent, and within forty-eight hours 
he was returned to the hospital. But the naval hospital being 
overtaxed, he was taken to St. Mary's Hospital, nearby. 

He died there on Sunday morning at 8.55 o'clock, January 
20, 1918. He was buried in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery at Concord, 
Mass., this afternoon, January 24. The service was held in 
the chapel at 2 o'clock, and was conducted by a chaplain from 
the naval station at Boston, who was accompanied by a con- 
tingent of marines. Later, when his body was lowered into the 
grave, taps were sounded by a bugler — one of the marines. 

Thus did this young man — Adolph Christian Nelson — who 
had within a month passed his twenty-fifth birthday, become 
Northborough 's first sacrifice in the Great War for freedom. 

Upon learning of Nelson's death, the Chairman of the Public 
Safety Committee called a meeting of the Executive Committee 
for Monday evening. Said meeting was held in the selectmen's 



348 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

room when the following action was taken: It was voted that 
a committee of three be appointed to attend the funeral to 
represent the town. Dr. J. M. Stanley, Chairman, appointed 
Ezra H. Bigelow, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen; Rev. 
J. C. Kent, Chairman of the Committee on Correspondence; 
and George A. Brigham, a member of the Executive Committee. 

It was then voted that a floral tribute be provided; that a 
Memorial Service be held on the afternoon of the following 
Sunday; and that Rev. J. C. Kent be a committee of one to 
prepare suitable resolutions. 

I may add now, that the above committee attended the 
funeral, and that the floral offering took the form of a large 
anchor, four and one-half feet in height. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE 

January 27, 1918, Sunday. A service in memory of Adolph 
Christian Nelson was held in the town hall this Sunday after- 
noon. 

The meeting was called to order by Ezra H. Bigelow, Chair- 
man of the Board of Selectmen, who, after stating the purpose 
of the meeting and officially expressing the town's sorrow at the 
death of the town's first sacrifice, called upon Dr. John L. Coffin, 
Chairman of the Public Safety Committee, to act as presiding 
officer. The following program was then rendered : 

Singing: By Quartette.* 

Address: By Dr. John L. Coffin. 

Singing: By Quartette. 

Prayer: By Rev. J. C. Kent. 

Singing: By Quartette. 

Address: By Rev. A. T. Ringold. 

Singing, "America": By the audience. 

Dr. Coffin in his opening address, feelingly expressed the 
sorrow of the townspeople at the untimely death of this young 
man who laid his all upon the altar of his country's need. 

Rev. Mr. Ringold, in his more extended address, reviewed 
the life of young Nelson from his birth, laying particular stress 
upon his character. In the course of his address he said: 

"In purity of spirit, honesty of purpose, gentleness and self- 
control, our young sailor-boy to be was a shining example to all, 
even to those much older than himself. He was free from all 

♦The Quartette was composed as follows: Mrs. Frederick B. Van Ornum, Mrs. Moore 
(wife of the High School principal). C. Montford Brigham and Edward A. Jones. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 349 

petty and uncleanly habits so common among young men and 
which they so easily and almost naturally pick up from their 
elders in the various walks of life. He resisted them, forming 
his habits from his heavenly citizenship rather than from his 
earthly associates. Those who knew him best say he refrained his 
lips, even in boyhood, from the use of slang so common in the 
every-day life. His clean face and clear look impressed even 
those who met him casually. One said he was a lad whom if 
you met him on the street, you would incline to look back and 
admire the fine spirit shining in his eyes, and from his entire 
personality. His life was frank and transparent as though there 
was nothing he needed to conceal." 

Before the last hymn was sung, Rev. J. C. Kent, on behalf 
of the Public Safety Committee, presented the following reso- 
lutions which were unanimously adopted : 

RESOLUTIONS 

"Whereas, God, in his inscrutable Providence hath removed 
from our midst one of the thirty-five young men whom North- 
borough has given to the naval and military forces of our country 
to serve her in the present crisis; and 

'Whereas, this event brings the Great War closely honie to 
our doors by causing us to realize that our small town is an 
integral part of our great nation ; and 

"Whereas, this young man constitutes Northborough's first 
great sacrifice to the cause of 'making the world safe for democ- 
racy' ; be it 

"Resolved, that in the death of Adolph C. Nelson the town of 
Northborough loses one of her brightest and best young men. 
Though born in another town (Concord) much of his life was 
spent in Northborough and most of his associations clustered 
here. He was a product of her public schools, having been 
graduated from the Northborough High School in 1912. His 
life was crystal clear. His bright, sparkling eyes reflected the 
joyous, beautiful spirit behind them. He was beloved by his 
schoolmates and respected by his elders. His life was untouched 
by sin, or by the indiscretions so common to youth. 

"His good blade carved the casques of men, 
His tough lance thrusteth sure. 
His strength was as the strength of ten, 
Because his heart was pure." 
"Be it 

"Resolved, that while the town of Northborough makes this 
great sacrifice with sadness of heart and with full realization of 



350 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

future possibilities, it is determined to offer its full measure of 
patriotism upon the altar of its country's need : but with a prayer 
that the need for such heart-breaking sacrifices will soon pass 
away. Be it 

Resolved, that these resolutions be spread upon the records 
of the Public Safety Committee, and copies sent to Mr. Nelson's 
relatives, and to Dr. and Mrs. Ira C. Guptill, his foster parents. 

MASS MEETING 

April 11, 1918, Thursday. A mass meeting was held in 
the town hall this evening under the auspices of the Public 
Safety Committee. The hall was well filled, as is usual on 
such occasions, and the people seemed much pleased. Reports 
of the various sub-committees were given, outlining the work 
which Northborough had done during the past year. The 
reports showed that this town had responded to the emergency 
created by the war in a large-hearted, generous and noble 
manner. Every call that had been made upon her had been met 
with alacrity and to the fullness of her ability. Up to the 
present time she has over-subscribed her quota in everything — 
men, money and work; and in such a way as to make every 
lover of the town proud of her. 

UNITED WAR WORK CAMPAIGN 

November 11-18, 1918. Another "drive" is on throughout 
the country this week. In order to lessen the number of calls 
upon the people the following seven organized agencies have 
united in one big drive, the funds to be appropriated to them 
in accordance with the relative magnitude of their work: 

The Y. M. C. A., Knights of Columbus, Jewish Welfare 
Board, the Y. W. C. A., the Salvation Army, the American 
Library Association, the War Camp Community Service. 

The following committee had charge of the Northborough 
quota : 

Frederick B. Van Ornum, Chairman; Ezra H. Bigelow, 
George A. Brigham, C. Montford Brigham, and Martin Ryan. 

The amount raised in Northborough by this committee was 
$4500. 

A CRUEL REPORT 

November 7, 1918, Thursday. This afternoon, a report was 
circulated throughout the country that Germany had signed 
the armistice proposals; and the country pretty generally 
celebrated the good news. But late in the afternoon it was 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 351 

officially announced that the report was premature. This 
was a cruel report, for it could not but increase the mental 
anguish of the millions of parents and relatives of the boys 
"over there." The perpetrator of such an outrageous crime 
(for crime it was, no matter how well-meant) ought to be sum- 
marily dealt with. 

PEACE 
November 11, 1918, Monday. Peace has come to the long- 
suffering world at last! The armistice was signed by the 
German envoys early this morning. The news was quickly 
cabled to America and we Americans lost no time in jumping 
out of bed and giving vent to our joyous feelings. This is 
what happened in Northborough. 

Note. If the personal element seems to be prominent in the following 
narrative, my readers must remember that this account of the great day is 
taken bodily from my private journal and was recorded when the joyous 
excitement was at its height. Doubtless, other people have their recorded 
impressions, but this is how the day impressed me. It seems well, therefore, 
to let the narrative stand in the first person. 

I am writing this at six o'clock in the morning. 

I was awakened this morning at four o'clock, by the blowing 
of the fire whistle. The continued blowing finally aroused me 
to the fact that the long-looked-for day had at last arrived, and 
that the armistice proposals had really been signed. Just then, 
William Frazer, janitor of the Baptist Church, began to ring 
the Baptist bell. I was soon dressed and down stairs. Just as 
I was about to open my front door the door bell rang. Upon 
opening it I found Clarence and Gordon Walker, who had come 
to ring the Unitarian bell. I went over with them, and soon 
our bell was ringing out the glad news. Presently the Orthodox 
bell was ringing; and for nearly an hour the three bells and the 
fire whistle were proclaiming the glad news that the war had 
ended. 

In the meantime, Clarence Bailey, our fire chief, had brought 
out the fire truck, and with two automobiles following him he 
paraded the streets, clanging the bell and tooting the horns. All 
is quiet now. 

I never saw a clearer morning or brighter stars. Even the 
heavens seemed to rejoice. What a day this is for the world! 
What a day this is for France, which has suffered for four years! 
France has endeared herself to the world during this time by 
her heroic suffering. Never a whine has she allowed to escape 
from her. So far as her hardships are concerned she has been 
mute. Noble France! The world loves you! 



352 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

At Night. Oh what a day this has been! The very air 
has been surcharged with a something quite unhke anything 
experienced before. Everybody has felt it. Even the children 
have sensed something quite out of the ordinary. And every- 
body has been happy. Everybody seems to have realized that 
this day, NOVEMBER 11, 1918,. is the greatest day the world 
ever saw. Personally, I have shed more tears today than in all 
the rest of my life together. But they were tears of joy. 

School opened as usual, at nine o'clock. The grammar grades 
were brought up into the high school and we had one glorious 
sing — patriotic. After saluting the flag my history class, which 
comprises just half the school, repaired to the recitation room; 
but instead of hearing lessons I talked to the class for twenty 
minutes. I never in all my life talked to any group of people 
as I talked to those young people. I think I was inspired, if I 
may be permitted to use that word (I think that every one who 
talked today was inspired). And I never had a more interested 
audience. 

Just then the door opened, and someone said, "We are going 
to sing again." Mrs. Herbert L. Kimball, Secretary of the 
School Committee, had come to say that school was to be dis- 
missed for the day. She brought with her Mrs. Walter O. 
Brigham, our singing teacher. The two schools were gotten 
together again, and under the leadership of Mrs. Brigham, we 
had another song-fest. 

Then Mrs. Kimball said to me: "Mr. Kent, you must talk 
to the scholars before they are dismissed." So I talked again — 
this time to the two schools, and for nearly half an hour. And 
again I think I was inspired. And again, I had a most attentive 
audience. Then we saluted the flag once more. Then Mrs. 
Kimball said to me: "Mr. Kent, we are going down to the Hudson 
Street School and we want you to go with us." I went. There, 
the principal, Miss Fanny Bemis, had the children of the grades 
drawn up in a group on the lawn where they sang patriotic 
songs, while each one held a small flag. Then I talked to those 
little ones, in a different vein; and upon questioning them I 
found that they had a clearly-defined idea as to what it was all 
about. "The war is over; liberty has been won, and our soldiers 
will soon come home again. Germany has been beaten." 

Then school was dismissed, after saluting the flag — flags, 
in this case, for four little children stood facing the group, each 
holding a large, bright, silk flag. 

I think the children of all the schools will never forget this 
day. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 353 

Soon after I arrived home Dr. Coffin came and said: "The 
Public Safety Committee have been holding a meeting while 
you were in school and have planned a public meeting for this 
evening in the town hall, and we want you to speak; and we 
would like to have the church bells rung between twelve and 
one o'clock." 

Throughout the rest of the day that "indefinable something" 
remained in the air. 

The church bells were rung, as suggested above; and in the 
evening there was a mass meeting in the town hall. Dr. John 
L. Coffin presided, and the following program was carried out: 
Address: By Dr. John L. Coffin. 
Music: By the Band. 
Invocation: By Rev. A. T. Ringold. 
"Star Spangled Banner": By the Audience. 
Address: By Rev. James A. Hurley. 
Song, "Marseillaise": By the Audience. 
Recitation, "France": By Miss Dorothy Green. 
Song, "Keep the Home Fires Burning." 
Address: By Alfred Thomas. 
Address: By Rev. A. P. Van Dusen. 
"America": By the Audience. 
Benediction. 

Father Hurley in his address, paid a fine tribute to the 
women of America. Mr. Thomas spoke of the unity of the 
Anglo-Saxon race, and hoped for the permanence of the friendly 
relations which now exist between England and America. 

The mass meeting was preceded by an impromptu parade 
and was followed by a huge bonfire in Assabet Park. 

LETTERS FROM FRANCE 

This morning's mail brought me a letter from Corporal 
John Vincent Carney, and this afternoon's mail one from Sergeant 
Matthew J. Walsh; both of whom are in France, members of the 
famous 26th Division. Also, came a post card from Sergeant 
Holland Coffin, who is also in France. Never were letters 
more gladly received. If their writers had known that peace 
was to break upon the world on this day they could not have 
timed them more accurately. They arrived right in the midst 
of our celebration and furnished a climax to it. Carney described 
his entrance into a French city which had been held by the 
Germans ever since the beginning of the war. He said : 



354 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"When we came into the town the natives did not know 
whether we were friends or enemies, never having seen the 
American uniform before: but when they saw the French who 
were following us, fell on their knees in the middle of the street 
weeping and offering thanks to God for their deliverance. It 
was the first time I ever saw anybody weeping with joy; and 
more than one eye in the olive drab was misty." The letter 
goes on : 

"A short time ago we made a raid and went through a German 
barrage with slight casualties. We got in the rear of their posi- 
tions and started driving them toward our own lines. When 
we came through, we found our bag contained fifty-four pris- 
oners. And we didn't have to lose our breakfast to do it, 
either. I believe, that the Kaiser has a bit more respect for 
'America's despicable army,' as he so obligingly called us, at the 
entrance of the States into this melee." 

Walsh says in his letter, "Sherman might have called war 
'heir in his day; but he should have been with the boys during 
the past three months to see what a real hell on earth, is. They 
took this Division out for a rest, after the drive of mid-July; 
but it was a short and sweet rest (two weeks), and then we went at 
them once again, and are still pounding at this writing. But 
we are not kicking as we are here to win and do it up quickly and 
in the proper way. It gives a fellow an awful sensation when the 
Huns drop one of those big shells alongside of us, for they seem 
to be as big as the Northborough town hall. 

"You can't imagine the feeling that crept over the French 
people that have been under German rule since 1914, when they 
saw the American troops coming through the streets of St. 
Mihiel. And how they slapped us on the back and shook 
hands with us! It was the happiest moment of our lives to feel 
that we had the honor of such a great thing. The Germans 
didn't take time to get their stuff out of the way. Everything 
was left behind, and we had a glorious time smoking Ggrman 
cigarettes and cigars. Once more the khaki-clad boys were too 
good for them. They may be good fighters, but the Yanks are 
better. Nothing left in some of the villages but walls of broken- 
down buildings. The ruins were laid out so flat in places that 
the artillery drove right over it. Perhaps you remember reading 
about the places that changed hands four or five times and 
were finally kept by us. That's where we had great times with 
our artillery, for the doughboys like to have a good barrage ahead 
of them." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 355 

VICTORY DAY 

November 12, 1918, Tuesday. Today was a public holiday by 
proclamation of Governor McCall, issued yesterday. Cele- 
brations were held everywhere. Northborough had a parade in 
the evening — an impromptu afifair, but like most impromptu 
affairs, a howling success. 

WE BURY THE KAISER 

Northborough celebrated the signing of the peace armistice 
by burying the Kaiser. The funeral procession was arranged 
hurriedly, principally under the direction of Charles O'Connell, 
starter at the Consolidated Railroad office. The burial was a 
great success. The procession formed at the junction of Church 
and Howard Streets, at seven o'clock. It moved on time in the 
following order: 

Hearse with bearers — Elmer O. Eldridge, Lincoln E. Smith, 
Charles H. LaPorte, and George Simpson. 

Crown Prince, chief mourner (Owen Duffy) — led by a chain 
by Walter Kelley and Amory Gilbert. 

Chief Marshall — Ezra H. Bigelow. 

Marshal's Aids — ^Wilbur H. Duplissis and Allison I. Duplissis, 
on horseback. 

Band. 

Advance Body Guard for the G. A. R. — George F. Sargent, 
Moses Marshall, Charles O'Connell, Martin H. Ryan, David B. 
Scott, Junius Q. Hatch, and Edward L. Eldridge. 

G. A. R. in two automobiles. 

Rear Guard for G. A. R. — Boy Scouts. 

Automobile containing ministers. Rev. J. C. Kent and Rev. 
A. T. Ringold. 

High School float. 

Caged bear with his keeper. 

Fire Department — Auto Truck, Hook and Ladder, and Hose 
Wagon. 

Street railway men in uniform. 

A few marchers. 

Automobiles. 

The procession moved down Church Street to Main; down 
Main to River; through River to Hudson; up Hudson to Main; 
up Main to South; up South to Gale; up Gale to Munroe; down 
Munroe to Main; down Main to the square, where it halted for 
the burial. 



356 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

A grave had been dug in the square during the afternoon. 
The coffin containing the Kaiser (in effigy) was lowered into 
it. 

The burial of such a distinguished personage called for a 
eulogy. But the Kaiser had distinguished himself in such a 
reprehensible way that there were few to do him reverence even 
at his funeral. At last, one man was found who was willing to 
suffer a possible eclipse of his patriotism rather than that even 
a man of unsavory reputation should be laid to rest without 
ceremony. Edward L. Eldridge was that man. 

Mr. Eldridge is a kindhearted young man who evidently 
believes that even the worst of sinners has at least one redeeming 
trait, and he set himself the task of finding that virtue in the 
late Kaiser. So he volunteered to eulogize the Kaiser. He 
actually spoke words of praise over the grave of the most 
despised individual that ever lived in this world. 

But to do justice to Mr. Eldridge's sanity I must record that 
the sincerity of his words was seriously questioned by the great 
crowd of people who heard them. And Mr. Eldridge's conduct 
encouraged the suspicion. Now, a man who pronounces a 
eulogy over the grave of a dead man is apt to be in a serious 
frame of mind. A funeral is no place for laughter. And Mr. 
Eldridge laughed. In fact, he had hard work to keep from 
laughing throughout his whole address. Quite naturally there- 
fore, his auditors concluded that his praise of the Kaiser was 
mere camouflage. And they laughed too. 

After the burial the people were asked to gather round the 
town hall steps to hear the reading of the Kaiser's last will and 
testament, and a refutation of some of the sentiments they had 
just listened to. The will was read by Junius Q. Hatch. It 
was a printed document, procured from I know not where. I 
shall not reproduce the document here — suffice it to say that 
each section as read brought forth rounds of applause. 

George F. Sargent then mounted the steps and after refuting 
some of the sentiments expressed by Mr. Eldridge in his eulogy 
at the grave of the Kaiser, told the following story concerning 
the Kaiser's effort to find a peaceful resting-place for his weary 
body and his tormented soul. How Mr. Sargent learned these 
facts he did not divulge. But this is what he said and every- 
body believed him : 

"When the Kaiser died he went straight to the celestial city. 
St. Peter met him at the gate and refused to let him in, but 
advised him to go to Hades. The Kaiser acted upon the advice 
and made a bee-line for the designated place. But when his 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 357 

Satanic Majesty saw who was there, and fearing that his abode 
would suffer contamination, he threw up his hands in horror 
and fairly shouted at the Kaiser, 'This, sir, is a respectable place. 
We cannot have you here. Begone!' " 

The poor Kaiser did not know what to do. What would 
any man do upon finding himself debarred from heaven and 
shut out of hell? Louis Derosier, Jr., recognizing the Kaiser's 
dilemma, solved his difficulty at once. For just then a terrific 
explosion took place. All eyes turned instantly toward the 
open grave. The sight that met their gaze beggars description. 
The Kasier, coffin and all, had suddenly risen from the grave in 
a thousand pieces. 

Thus by virtue of Louis Derosier's dynamite the Kaiser 
Wilhelm, would-be ruler of the world, is doomed to wander 
through space through an endless eternity trying to piece him- 
self together. 

Thus did Northborough celebrate the utter defeat of Prussian 
militarism and the victory of justice. 

THE PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE HOLDS ITS FINAL MEETING 

November 18, 1918, Monday. Tonight was an important 
night in Northborough. The Public Safety Committee which 
was organized in April, 1917, when our country entered the 
Great War, and to guide Northborough's participation in that 
war, held its final meeting and was disbanded. The war 
being over, there is no longer need for the Committee to 
continue. The meeting was presided over by Dr. John L. 
Coffin, Chairman. In his opening remarks he outlined the 
work of the committee; then, under his direction the following 
program was carried out: 
Music: By the Orchestra. 
"Star-Spangled Banner": By the Audience. 
Invocation: By Rev. J. C. Kent. 
Presentation of Service Flag: By Dr. J. M. Stanley. 
Presentation of Liberty Loan Flag: By Rev. J. C. Kent. 
Presentation of Roll of Honor: By George F. Sargent. 
"Keep the Home Fires Burning": By the Audience. 
Address: By Rev. James A. Hurley. 
Song, "Liberty Loan": By Roscoe Sargent. 
Reading of letters from "over there": By Rev. J. C. Kent. 
Music: By the Orchestra. 
Address: By Senator-elect, Francis Prescott of Grafton. 



358 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Music: By the Orchestra. 
Address: By Dr. John L. Coffin. 
"America": By the Audience. 
Benediction. 

Dr. Coffin, in opening the meeting, gave a history of the 
PubHc Safety Committee and an account of some of the work 
it had done. He showed very clearly that Northborough had 
responded generously to all calls that had been made upon her, 
and that her part in the great struggle had been such as to reflect 
much credit upon her. 

Dr. J. M. Stanley, in presenting the service flag, stated that 
the flag had been purchased by voluntary subscriptions ($38.50) 
collected by Harry F. Carbrey, and that the balance had been 
made up by the committee. He spoke feelingly of the boys 
who had enlisted from this town saying, they were in many 
branches of the military service — Army, Navy, Air Service, 
Merchant Marine, etc. He called attention to the fact that 
four had been cited for bravery; one had won a French war 
cross; and that several had been gassed and wounded. 

He then presented the Service Flag to the town. It was 
accepted by Ezra H. Bigelow, chairman of the Board of Select- 
men, in well-chosen words. 

Mr. Kent, speaking in behalf of the Bond Committee, 
stated that in the four issues of bonds to date, Northborough had 
subscribed $195,850. He then presented the Honor Flag to the 
town, which was likewise accepted by Mr. Bigelow. 

Father Hurley, in his address, praised the town for the loyal 
and faithful and willing work it had done throughout the whole 
period of the war. 

Mr. Kent then read two letters from France which were re- 
ceived by him on the day of the great rejoicing, November 11, 
portions of which are reproduced on a previous page. He then 
stated that "while it is a pleasant thing to receive letters from the 
boys 'over there,' we bear in mind at this time that from the 
beginning of this sad afTair until the very last day, many of our 
American boys have fallen in battle never to rise again, and that 
consequently their parents and friends are denied the pleasure of 
receiving letters from them." He then asked the audience to 
rise and breathe a silent prayer in memory of those brave boys 
and their sorrowing parents. This was done, and at its close 
Mr. Kent said, "Into thy hands, O God, we commend their 
spirits. Amen." 




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NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 359 

THE HONOR ROLL 

A feature of the program which came as a surprise to the 
assembled audience, was the presentation of a tablet bearing 
Northborough's Roll of Honor — the names of all boys who had 
enlisted into the service from this town. These names were 
on one side of the tablet. On the reverse side were the names 
of several Northborough boys who had enlisted from other 
towns. This tablet had been erected in the square only a short 
time before the meeting. It is a tablet of some architectural 
pretensions, 12 x 7 feet in size, and was a gift to the town from 
Robert Whittaker, of the firm, Whittaker & Bacon, who operate 
one of our mills. After Mr. Sargent presented the tablet he 
moved a vote of thanks to Mr. Whittaker, which was unani- 
mously adopted. 

THE COMMITTEE DISSOLVED 

The chairman of the evening. Dr. John L. Cofifin, in his usual 
felicitous way, called attention to the fact that, the war being 
over, the work of the Public Safety Committee was at an end 
(except that of the sub-committee on correspondence, which 
was asked to continue its services until all the boys should have 
returned to their homes), and recommended that the committee 
be dissolved. And on motion, it was so voted. Previous to 
declaring the vote, however, Dr. Cofifin paid a tribute to Dr. 
J. M. Stanley (chairman of the Executive Committee), saying 
that "he had been an indefatigable worker all through the life of 
the committee." 

The audience then sang "America," after which, Mr. Kent 
pronounced the benediction, and this great meeting was at an 
end. 

THE STAGE 

A word should be said as to the appearance of the stage 
during this meeting. It presented a unique appearance. In 
addition to the speakers of the evening there sat upon the plat- 
form a large number of people — representatives of the Grand 
Arrny of the Republic, and representatives of the Woman's 
Relief Corps, an allied organization. 

It would be difficult to analyze the feelings of those Civil War 
Veterans and their wives as they witnessed the closing scenes 
in Northborough of this great World War. They were partici- 
pants in a similar event more than half a century ago, at the 
close of what, at that time, was one of the great wars of history; 
and it is hardly to be supposed that at that time, they could 



360 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

have had any idea that in their dedining years they would be 
called upon to rejoice over the close of an even greater war than 
theirs, in which their own sons and grandsons had participated. 
The whirligig of time certainly brings about many strange events. 

In addition to those already mentioned, there were upon the 
stage a large number of Red Cross and French Relief workers. 
They were dressed in their costumes — white aprons and caps, 
which they wore at their rooms while working on war relief — 
and presented a unique and picturesque appearance. 

Behind them, on the wall, hung the large Service Flag 
(before mentioned), over which was draped the always beautiful 
and inspiring Stars and Stripes. 

This meeting was a memorable occasion and will never be 
forgotten by those present. Everyone felt proud of the im- 
portant part their town had played in this greatest of all world 
struggles. 

A SAD CONCLUSION 

Scarcely had the echoes of this great meeting died away 
when a telegram was received from the War Department at 
Washington announcing the death, in France, of Vincent F. 
Picard. The message was received by Picard's father, but it 
contained no other information than that the boy was dead. 
The town's happiness of a few days before was instantly turned 
to sorrow; and the sorrow was tinctured with considerable 
irritation because of the War Department's delay in sending 
the doleful message. Picard died October 9th ; but his parents 
were not notified until December 17th. And it was a long time 
after that before any details of the death were forthcoming; 
and when they did come, they came not from the War Depart- 
ment, but from a friend of Picard's. 

In their distracted condition, the Picard family made frantic 
efforts to obtain some knowledge of their son's death. Address- 
ing a letter to the Chaplain of the Medical Corps to which Vincent 
was attached, they received the following from Major Armisted: 

"Champtille, France, 

"Jan. 27, 1919. 

"The Chaplain of the 327th Inf. has given me your letter 
inquiring about your son, Vincent Picard. It pains me to write 
you this letter, as Picard had been my Orderly for a long time 
and was always faithful and performed his duties in the most 
excellent manner; and I would have written you sooner only 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 361 

that I had never received any notice of his death until the 
Chaplain received your letter. 

"He was wounded in the Argonne. He had a severe wound in 
the abdomen and was sent to the hospital after being dressed 
by one of the doctors at the first aid station. I did not see him 
after he was wounded as he had been sent to the hospital before 
I knew he was even wounded. I knew he was seriously wounded, 
but we could get no report of him from the hospital, so I think 
he must have died on the way to the hospital and was buried 
near Apremont. I extend to you my sympathy in your time of 
trouble, and I want you to realize that in me you have a friend. 
Picard had been with me until he was like a part of my family, 
and there is nothing I would not have done for him. . . . 

"God only knows what we went through in the Argonne; 
and I feel that every man who came out alive should be thankful 
to his Creator. Lieut. Sheed, one of my medical officers, was 
killed ; and I had three men killed and about twenty-five wounded 
out of forty-eight men. 

"I want you to remember that while you grieve over the 
death of your son, I grieve with you, as he was closer to me than 
any of my men. And also that you can rest assured that he did 
his duty at all times; and I consider him one of the finest men I 
ever met. 

"Your friend, 

"Jno. R. Armisted, 

"Major, M. C, U. S. Army." 

Finally, the family got into communication with Sergeant 
Earl Keenan, who proved to be an intimate friend of Vincent's. 
But he could give no information at first, for the reason that he 
was separated from Picard a short time before the latter's death. 
But he made diligent inquiry and finally communicated the 
following letter, which gives all the details which, up to date, 
had been ascertained. The letter is dated February 17, 1919, 
and is as follows: 

"Champtille Haute Saone. 
"Since writing to you I have gotten into communication 
with a man named Mitchell who was with Vincent at the time 
he was wounded. It was on the ninth (October) instead of the 
eighth which I believe I wrote you. They were both first aid 
men attached to Co. Fof this regiment (327th Inf.). Late in the 
afternoon of that day they were working together when shrapnel 
from a shell which exploded near by struck Vincent in the 
abdomen, and Mitchell on the head and left arm. Vincent was 



362 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

placed on a stretcher at once, and with four litter bearers carry- 
ing him they started for the dressing station, over a mile distant. 
They had gone about a hundred yards when another shell struck 
almost on them, killing three of the litter bearers and wounding 
the fourth; but by a miracle didn't touch Vincent or Mitchell. 
Vincent then, with Mitchell's aid, walked the rest of the way to 
the aid station, and also had to wade through a stream to get 
there, as the Boches had blown up all the bridges. 

"His wound was immediately dressed by one of our doctors 
(who was himself killed six days later, by a shell) and sent to the 
hospital. After that I have been unable to find out anything. 
Mitchell was evacuated on another ambulance to hospital, but 
never saw Vincent again. 

"You may rest assured that if Vincent reached the hospital, 
he received the very best of care. 

"If you only knew or could imagine, which is quite impossible, 
what a horrible, terrible thing war is, especially in such a battle 
as the Meuse-Argonne, I am sure you would see how hard it 
is to trace the fate of each individual man. The wildest confusion 
everywhere; and no matter where you went, there was nothing 
but misery, suffering and death. 

"We were down in the valley, with the Germans up on the 
hill where they could see every move we made and fire on us 
point blank. They made special targets of our dressing stations, 
as there was always a congestion of wounded around them, and 
shot the buildings down over our heads. 

"With kindest wishes, 

"Very sincerely, 

"Earl Keenan."* 

The detailed information in this kind and thoughtful letter 
afforded comfort to the distressed Picard family and did much to 
calm their anxious minds. 

VINCENT F. PICARD 
Born in Northborough, on King Street, July 25, 1895. 
Died in France, October 9, 1918. 
Aged twenty-three years, three months. 
Son of Frank and Hannah (King) Picard. 
Was mustered into service, October 5, 1917, at Camp Devens, 
at Ayer, Mass. 

*Sergt. Keenan stopped at Worcester on his way home from France, to visit the Picards; 
and while there, drove over to Northborough, where he related the circumstances of Picard's 
death to the author. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 363 

Was transferred to Camp Gordon, Georgia, November 10, 
1917. 

Was transferred to Camp Upton, N. Y., in April, 1918, and 
soon afterwards embarked for France. Was attached to the 
Medical Department of the 327th Infantry, 82nd Division. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE 

A memorial service was held in his honor, at the town hall, 
Sunday afternoon, January 12, 1919, at 4 o'clock, under the 
auspices of the Board of Selectmen. 

PROGRAM 

Chairman, Ezra H. Bigelow, Chairman Board of Selectmen. 

Music, "Abide With Me": By the Choir. 

Prayer: By Rev. A. P. Van Dusen. 

Solo, "Oh, Dry Those Tears": By Miss Mary H. Ryan. 

Scripture Reading: By Rev. A. T. Ringold. 

Address: By Dr. J. M. Stanley, representing the Public 
Safety Committee. 

Address: By Harry F. Carbrey, representing the Fire De- 
partment of which Picard was a member. 

Address: By Dr. John L. Coffin, also representing the Public 
Safety Committee. 

Address: By Judge John W. Slattery of Westborough, repre- 
senting the Foresters, of which Picard was a member. 

Music, "The Vacant Chair": By the Choir. 

Address: By Rev. James A. Hurley. 

Address: By Rev. Josiah C. Kent. 

Music, "Nearer My God to Thee": By the Choir.* 

"America": By the Audience. 

Benediction: By Rev. A, T. Ringold. 

RESOLUTIONS 

In the course of the service the following Resolutions were 
unanimously adopted : 

"Whereas, God, in his unsearchable Providence, hath caused 
the ranks of Northborough's contingent to the military forces 
of the United States in the Great World War to be broken, by 
taking unto Himself one of their number; and 

*The choir was composed as follows: Martin H. Ryan, Alfred P. Collard, Miss Alma 
Carbrey, Mrs. Chester Warren, Miss Mary H. Ryan; Miss Elizabeth Quinn, pianist. 



364 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"Whereas, The death of this young man was caused by wounds 
received on the battlefield, the particulars of which are as yet 
unknown to us; and 

''Whereas, This sad event took place on October 9, 1918, one 
month before the signing of the peace armistice and was not 
known to his family and friends until December 17th, thus filling 
all hearts with anxious inquiry; be it 

"Resolved, That we accept these sad circumstances as one of 
the unavoidable incidents of war. Be it further 

"Resolved, That in the death of Vincent F. Picard the town of 
Northborough loses one of its active and earnest young men — a 
young man who was born and reared within its precincts, who 
cherished its traditions, who took his part in its life, and who, by 
his death, has become part of its patriotic history. Be it further 

"Resolved, That these Resolutions be spread upon the records 
of the Public Safety Committee, and a copy, together with the 
sympathy of the town of Northborough, be sent to Mr. Picard's 
family." 

The service today was largely attended, the hall being well 
filled. The firemen turned out in a body, as did also the Fores- 
ters and the Lady Companions. There were also present many 
of the few remaining G. A. R. veterans and several members of 
the Sons of Veterans. There were also present (and their 
presence in uniform gave pathetic interest to the occasion) 
many Northborough boys who had but recently been discharged 
from the United States military service. Three of them acted 
as ushers — Martin H. Ryan, Cecil Derosier and Louis Guertin. 

GENERAL EDWARDS HELD UP IN NORTHBOROUGH 

January 27, 1919, Monday. General Clarence E. Edwards 
who commanded the famous 26th Division (the Yankee Division) 
in the Great War is being entertained in Worcester today. 
When it became known that he would pass through North- 
borough on his way to Worcester, an impromptu reception was 
arranged for him. And this is what was done: the fire whistle 
was sounded at a given signal, the school children were dis- 
missed and congregated just east of the railroad crossing. 
When General Edwards and his party arrived, and saw the 
children blocking the street at the crossing, he halted his party 
in front of the library and ordered the flags of his rank and station 
to be displayed on the front of his automobile. Geo. F. Sargent 
then saluted him and said: "This gathering. General Edwards, is 
for the purpose of giving you a welcome to the town of North- 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 365 

borough in honor of about one-half of the boys who enlisted from 
this town and served under your command overseas. We know 
that your time is limited, but we beg of you to say a few words 
to us, if you possibly can." 

General Edwards said in reply, "Mr. Sargent, I find I am a 
little behind schedule, but will gladly grant the favor." 

Then Mr. Sargent mounted one running board of the auto- 
mobile and Mr. Kent, the other, and escorted the General to 
the square. Owing to the illness of Ezra H. Bigelow, chairman 
of the Board of Selectmen, Mr. Kent was asked to extend the 
welcome of the town. Mr. Kent and General Edwards mounted 
the bench in front of the Honor Roll, and in the few following 
words, Mr. Kent made the General feel that Northborough was 
highly honored by his presence. Mr. Kent said: 

"General Edwards, in the absence of the Chairman of our 
Board of Selectmen I have been asked to say a few words of 
welcome to you. And this I do gladly for several reasons: first, 
because your name is highly honored in this town; second, be- 
cause many of the boys whose names are on the Honor Roll 
behind us, served under you in France; third, because at least 
three of those boys treasure very highly little scraps of paper 
bearing your signature wherein you cited them for bravery on 
the field of battle, and which little scraps of paper they will 
treasure till their dying day; fourth, because of certain letters 
from the boys 'over there' I have been privileged to see, which, 
speaking of you, say, 'General Edwards is all right; the boys over 
here would do anything for him' ; fifth, because you are an officer 
who has the welfare of your boys very much at heart. For these 
reasons. General Edwards, the people of this town are proud to 
have you among them today; and on behalf of them it gives me 
great pleasure to v/elcome you." Then, he said, "The school 
children wish to show their appreciation also." 

Thereupon, Miss Caroline Lilley of the senior class of the 
Northborough High School, stepped forward and in a few well- 
chosen words, on behalf of all the school children of the town, pre- 
sented General Edwards a bunch of beautiful carnations. As the 
General took them and lifted them up so that all might see them, 
a round of applause burst forth. General Edwards thanked 
Miss Lilley for them and handed them to his wife, who sat in 
her automobile. 

Then General Edwards addressed the crowd for ten minutes. 
He thanked the people of Northborough for their welcome, and 
paid a glowing tribute to the boys of the 26th Division, many 
of whom were from Worcester County, and several from 



366 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Northborough. He said, "There were no better fighters in France 
than the boys of the Yankee Division." 

He took much interest in the Roll of Honor, scanning the 
names quite closely. He asked Mr. Kent the names of the boys 
who had been cited for bravery (which Mr. Kent had referred to 
in his words of welcome). 

The kindly spirit of the man shone in his face and was mani- 
fest in his voice. He was modest and democratic, with nothing 
of that haughtiness which is so often found in a military officer of 
lesser rank. Northborough was indeed proud to welcome this 
man of high degree. It was a red-letter day for all, but especially 
for the young people who, we think, will never forget it. 

Much credit for this event is due to Charles O'Connell, the 
starter at the car office. It was he who first learned of the 
General's coming, and aroused interest. And it was he, who, 
through his scouts, kept us posted as to the movements of the 
General from the time he left Marlborough. 



LIBERTY BONDS 

When it became settled that America must enter the war the 
Government set itself the stupendous task of raising money to 
pay the expenses of the war. There was only one way of 
raising the vast sums necessary for that purpose, and that was 
the way followed by all governments when called upon to raise 
large sums of money — the issuance of bonds. The Government 
accordingly called for a loan of several billions of dollars. Five 
series were issued in all, and upwards of thirty billions of dollars 
were raised. 

Northborough had its part in all these series, and a creditable 
part. Of the first two series little can be said. The purchase 
of bonds by the general public was a new experience (it had not 
been done since the Civil War period more than half a century 
before) and the people were rather slow at first in understanding 
their duty in this respect. But before the series was closed the 
public was wide awake and the amount asked for by the Govern- 
ment was largely over-subscribed. In Northborough the matter 
was carried on in a more or less quiet way, but the result showed 
a sale of $44,600 for the first issue, and $53,350 for the second 
issue. 

A more lively interest was taken in the third issue, and a 
pretty general interest in the fourth and fifth issues, as will be 
seen by the following pages. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 367 

WE RAISE THE "HONOR" FLAG 

May 15, 1918, Wednesday. The Third Liberty Loan Drive 
took place early in May, and Northborough, as usual, did herself 
proud. In recognition of our success we had a service this 
evening a little out of the usual. It was held on the town hall 
steps at 7.30 o'clock. 

In recognition of the fact that towns subscribed the quotas 
assigned them the United States Government presented such 
towns with an "Honor Flag." Northborough was among the 
towns to be thus honored, and the flag was raised on a pole ex- 
tending from the doorway of the town hall, this evening. The 
Loan Committee invited me to act as master of ceremonies, 
which I did. 

We arranged the following program which was carried out 
to the satisfaction of everybody. The Boy Scouts were grouped 
on one side of the steps, and a large number of school children 
in front. C. Montford Brigham assembled the crowd with his 
trumpet. The children, under the direction of Mrs. Walter O. 
Brigham, sang the "Star Spangled Banner." Rev. J. C. Kent 
gave a short address, in which he called attention to the fact 
that going "over the top"* is a habit with Northborough which 
she contracted one hundred and fifty years ago and which she has 
indulged ever since. He outlined the important events in the 
town's history wherein the town did her full share, and more. 
He then called on Dr. J. M. Stanley to speak for the Liberty 
Bond Committee. 

Dr. Stanley in well-chosen words, told the story of the Bond 
Committee — how the town was set down for $50,000, and sub- 
scribed $78,200. He complimented the "Northborough Woman's 
Club" and the "Boy Scouts" for the important part they per- 
formed in raising this money. He called particular attention 
to the Taylor Manufacturing Company and complimented Mr. 
Taylor of that company for his patriotic service in the success 
of the Loan. He made known the fact that Mr. Taylor sub- 
scribed $13,200 worth of bonds for his employees, so that they 
all might have an opportunity to buy a bond, paying for them 
in weekly payments if necessary, and himself giving to his 
employees a 10% rebate. 

Dr. Stanley ended his address by presenting the "Honor 
Flag" to the town. Ezra H. Bigelow, chairman of the Board 
of Selectmen, accepted the flag and raised it on the staff, making 
a short address of thanks. 

*"Over the top" is a popular expression just now, and means doing more tlian one is 
asked to do. It originated in the title of a popular war book by Guy Empey, in which he 
describes his experiences in trench warfare. 



368 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The children then closed the service by singing, "Keep the 
Home Fires Burning" (one of the popular war songs). 

FOURTH LIBERTY BOND LOAN 
"A Call to Patriotic Duty'' 

"The United States is in this great world war to win. Nothing 
short of a complete victory over Prussian militarism will satisfy 
our people. President Wilson has stated and restated this fact 
in unequivocal terms. The people of our country stand solidly 
behind their President in his declaration. 

"But in order that these aims might be attained the Govern- 
ment must have money, and a lot of it. That money must be 
provided by the people. To procure a part of that money the 
Government is about to issue its Fourth Liberty Loan. This 
bond issue is a clarion call to patriotic duty to every citizen of 
the country. If this money be not forthcoming through the 
sale of bonds Congress will be compelled to raise it by means 
of taxation. Bonds are an investment and pay interest. Taxes 
do not pay interest. Within ten months the United States will 
have 5,000,000 men under arms. Those men are sacrificing 
everything they hold dear, and every one of them stands ready 
to lay down his life in defence of his country's honor. We 
who remain at home in the peace and quiet of our vocations 
must be willing to sacrifice our luxuries in the same great cause. 
This Fourth Liberty Bond issue affords a fine opportunity for 
the investment of the abnormally large wages which so many 
people throughout the country are making in these abnormal 
times. The war makes these wages possible, and there is every 
reason in the world why they should be invested in these bonds. 

"The Government hopes to raise $6,000,000,000 by this 
Fourth Loan. Northborough's quota is $75,000. To raise this 
sum will be a big task. But, Citizens, Help Northborough 
to Do a Big Thing! 

"The Northborough National Bank stands ready to help. 
It has made arrangements whereby the small investor may pay 
for his bonds one dollar down and one dollar a week. Bonds 
may be paid for in full when purchased or according to the 
following schedule: 

10% with application 
20% November 21, 1918 
20%, December 19, 1918 
20% January 16, 1919 
30% January 30, 1919 

"A house-to-house canvass will be made on Saturday, Sept. 28. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 369 

"The first 240 towns that go 'over the top' will have the privi- 
lege of naming a war vessel or of having tanks named for them. 
Think what it would mean to the Northborough boys 'over 
there' to follow a tank bearing the name of their home town! 

"Let every citizen of Northborough buy a bond on Sept. 28. 

*"A public meeting will be held in Northborough Town Hall 
in connection with the Fourth Liberty Loan on Thursday 
evening, Sept. 26, at 7.45 o'clock. 

"Signed, Fourth Liberty Bond Committee." 

September 28, 1918, Saturday. Today is Bond Day. The 
Government has issued its fourth loan and the campaign for 
selling the bonds opened today. The Government hopes to 
raise $6,000,000,000. Northborough's quota is $75,000. The 
Northborough Committee hoped to raise this amount in one 
day, and to this end they divided the town into four districts 
and appointed a committee for each district to make a house- 
to-house canvass. The foregoing circular was mailed to every 
family in town a few days ago that the people might know just 
what is expected of them. 

The weather today was absolutely perfect. At nine o'clock 
the church bells rang for a few minutes, as a signal for the 
committees to start on their patriotic rounds. Everybody en- 
tered upon the enterprise with enthusiasm. The bank remained 
open until nine o'clock to receive the returns. At that hour 
Northborough had filled its quota, and more, too. The total 
subscription for the day netted the handsome sum of $119,650. 
So Northborough goes "over the top" once more! 

This was a big thing for the town to do; but she is getting 
used to big things. 

A NOVEL SIGHT 

April 23, 1919, Wednesday. One of the features employed to 
interest people in the Victory Bond Loan was a whippet tank. 
It arrived in town at noon. It is one of the smaller types 
of tank that was used so successfully in the Great War. It 
is operated by two men only. It was brought to town in a 
truck from Worcester, and is going the rounds of the near-by 
towns advertising the Victory Loan — the fifth and last Liberty 
Loan, the campaign for which opened two days ago. 

After the tank was unloaded at the park, it crawled to the 
square, and circling the fountain, returned to the park. It 

♦This meeting was not held owing to the epidemic of influenza. All public gatherings 
were prohibited at this time. 



370 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

climbed the steep grade of the park as easily as could be, went 
over a stone wall and returned to its starting place. It was 
followed by a large crowd, including the children of the Hudson 
Street school. 

Mr. Moore, one of the Bond Committee of Worcester, and 
Mr. Kent of the Northborough Committee, mounted its side 
and delivered addresses concerning the Loan. It was certainly 
a novel sight — that remarkable machine performing its wonder- 
ful stunts; and it must have made an indelible impression upon 
the minds of all who saw it. 

A TRAIN OF WAR RELICS 

May 5, 1919, Monday. As a means of boosting the "Vic- 
tory" Liberty Loan the Government is sending out trains of 
war relics. One came to Northborough this afternoon and 
remained two hours. It consisted of three cars. One open 
car contained five or six guns captured from the Germans — 
the others, all sorts of war relics. The train was accompanied 
by about a dozen soldiers all of whom had been wounded 
in battle. One of them made a very touching address, 
after which the people were invited to pass through the cars to 
inspect the relics. A large number of people did so. The 
coming of the train had been advertised beforehand, and its 
arrival was announced by the church bells and the fire whistle. 

••VICTORY" LOAN 
Victory 

"Our Soldier Boys are returning from the war and as rapidly 
as possible are resuming their places in civilian life. They are 
bringing with them scraps of paper signed by the authorities of 
the United States Army and Navy, testifying to the noble 
service they rendered to their country. They do not possess, 
and they never will possess, anything that they will prize more 
highly. Their honorable discharge papers are badges of honor 
which will cause their hearts to swell with pride whenever they 
show them to their friends. And their pride will be justified, 
for they did a good job AND STUCK TO IT UNTIL IT WAS 
FINISHED. WE ARE ALL PROUD OF THEM. 

"But they are now asking (and they have a right to ask), 'Have 
you civilians finished your job?' And that is a very pertinent 
question. We cannot look those brave and loyal soldier boys 
in the face without flinching until we are able to answer their 
question in the afifirmative. 

"The people of Northborough must answer this question with 
a loud 'Yes'! 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 371 

"Every citizen of Northborough is proud of the way in which 
this town has responded to the war situation. She has done 
everything that has been asked of her, and more. But one more 
call has been made upon her, and she owes it to herself to respond 
as promptly and as generously to it as she has to all previous calls. 
Her job will not be 'finished' until she has so responded, and 
her citizens are wearing the Victory Button. The Victory Button 
will be a badge of honor to us civilians comparable, in some 
degree, to the discharge papers of our soldier boys. 

"In the final Victory Liberty Loan the Government asks for 
$4,500,000,000. They are short term bonds (four years) and 
pay interest at the rate of 4|%, which make them a first class 
investment. 

"They may be paid for as follows: 

10% on application 
10% on July 15 
20% on August 12 
20% on September 9 
20% on October 7 
20% on November 11 
" Northborough 's quota is $55,000. 

"A house-to-house canvass will be made on Wednesday, May 7. 
"HELP PRESERVE THE REPUTATION OF NORTH- 
BOROUGH! 

"Signed, 'Victory' Liberty Loan Committee. 
Northborough, April 28, 1919." 

May 16, 1919, Friday. The Treasury Department of our 
Government has issued a call for another Liberty Loan, which 
they call the "Victory" Loan. Four and a half billions are 
asked for. The drive opened on April 21, and continued three 
weeks. Northborough's quota was $55,000. We did not, how- 
ever, begin our drive until May 7. That day was set apart 
for it, and a house-to-house canvass was made. The foregoing 
circular letter was mailed to every family in town. 

This loan did not meet with the popular response as did 
the Fourth Loan of last September, owing to the fact that the 
war was over. This was true throughout the country. Not- 
withstanding the seeming lack of interest, however, the loan 
was largely over-subscribed. Ezra H. Bigelow, the chairman, 
called the committee together on the evening of May 8, and told 
us that we had subscribed only $32,000. This was a serious 
situation which caused the committee much anxiety. The town 
had been canvassed, yet there was a deficit of $23,000. An 



372 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

earnest discussion ensued, and the telephone wires were kept hot 
for a long time. When we dispersed, at 10 o'clock, the committee 
themselves had subscribed $16,000 over and above what they 
had already subscribed, leaving a balance of $7,000. A good 
deal of hard work was done during the following day, and by 
night our full quota had been subscribed. More subscriptions 
came in on Saturday (the drive ended that night), making our 
entire subscription $66,650, and the number of subscribers, 296. 
Thus did Northborough go "over the top" in this final drive, and 
ended her war work by fulfilling the prophecies made for her at 
its beginning. 

Much credit for the success of this loan is due to the com- 
mittee having the matter in charge. They certainly worked 
hard to prevent Northborough from falling down. Their 
meeting in the Northborough Bank on the evening of May 8 
was an anxious and perplexing one which taxed the ingenuity 
of those business and professional men as it had seldom been 
taxed before. They were determined that Northborough should 
honor herself to the last. And she did. 

All through the campaign the committee were imbued with 
the spirit of patriotism to our country and loyalty to our town. 
They were harmonious in all their actions, and worked together 
with an eye single to the perpetuation of the patriotic traditions 
of the town of Northborough. 

A special word of commendation is due to Ezra H. Bigelow, 
the chairman. In all these bond drives he worked incessantly. 
In his capacity as president of the bank he had the handling of 
all the bonds, which entailed an almost endless amount of 
routine work. His name must ever be associated with this 
phase of Northborough 's patriotic history. 

The full committee were: Ezra H. Bigelow, president of the 
bank; Dr. Josiah M. Stanley; Dr. John L. Cofifin; Rev. Josiah C. 
Kent; Martin Ryan, postmaster; George A. Brigham, market 
gardener; George H. Felt, coal and lumber dealer; Clarence E. 
Buckley, milk farmer; William J. Potter, ex-president of the bank; 
Rodney Leland, assistant cashier of the bank. 

LIBERTY LOAN BONDS SUBSCRIBED BY NORTHBOROUGH 



First loan. 


$44,600 


No. 


of subscribers. 


170 


Second loan, 


53,350 


No. 


of subscribers. 


179 


Third loan, 


78,250 


No. 


of subscribers, 


309 


Fourth loan, 


119,650 


No. 


of subscribers, 


663 


Fifth loan, 


66,650 


No. 


of subscribers, 


296 



Total, $362,500 No. of subscribers, 1,617 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 373 

THE AMERICAN FUND FOR FRENCH WOUNDED 
"A. F. F. W." 

Many Northborough women became interested in war 
relief work long before our country became a participant in the 
war. Their work was carried on in the library building and 
was continued from February 5, 1916, till April 1, 1919. As 
their work was begun primarily for wounded French soldiers 
they were known for shortness, as the "French Relief" workers. 
They did a vast amount of valuable work, which added greatly 
to the sum total of Northborough's war work. 

The following summary of their activities was furnished the 
author by Miss Cora Small, the secretary-treasurer, of the 
organization : 

"The Northborough Women's War Relief Committee was 
organized February 5, 1916, by delegates from the various 
women's organizations in town, or those whose membership 
included women, viz.: the women's societies of the churches, 
the Woman's Club, Woman's Relief Corps, Grange, Independent 
Companions of America. 

"Officers chosen were Mrs. Amy B. Maynard, chairman; 
Miss Cora Small, secretary and treasurer. 

"It was decided to work for the French hospitals in con- 
nection with the American Fund for French Wounded and until 
work was given up, April 1, 1919, the committee continued its 
connection with this relief organization. 

"The meetings were held at the library by permission of the 
trustees. The average attendance was sixteen, but many 
women who were unable to attend, worked at home. Sub- 
committees were appointed for the different branches of work: 
Miss Emma A. Barnes had charge of the hospital garments; 
Mrs. Frederick Ireland and Miss Charlotte Jones of the knit- 
ting; Miss Edith Rice and Miss Marie Barnes of the surgical 
dressings, and Miss Abbie M. Small of the packing. The number 
of articles sent from February, 1916, to April, 1919, was 73,269. 

"The funds for the work were supplied in part by the organiza- 
tions represented on the committee, but the greater part was 
donated by individuals or raised by entertainments, food sales, 
etc. The total amount received was $2,829.27. When the 
work was discontinued, the balance in the treasury, $250, was 
given to the A. F. F. W., to help toward the establishment of a 
memorial hospital at Rheims." 

Among the public entertainments held under the auspices of 
this organization may be mentioned the following: 



374 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



POP CONCERT 



September 17, 1917. The nearest approach to a social fes- 
tivity that has taken place in Northborough since our country 
entered the war was a pop concert given in the town hall this 
evening. It was given under the joint direction of the French 
War Relief and the Red Cross, by the following committee: 

French War Relief: Mrs. Samuel T. Maynard, Mrs. Alfred 
Thomas, Mrs. Thomas H. Blair, Mrs. Waldo Gushing, Mrs. 
William L. Marshall, and Miss Laura Chabot. 

Red Cross: Mrs. Robert A. Stone (Ellen Richardson), Mrs. 
Mary B. Sawyer, Mrs. Patrick A. Quirk, Mrs. Noah Wadsworth, 
and Fred J. Proctor. 

The forty-two tables, each seating from four to six people, 
were prettily decorated with cut flowers. The stage was artistic- 
ally decorated with hydrangeas, pine, and potted plants. The 
American, French, and Red Cross flags formed the decoration 
at the front of the hall. The cleverly devised menus were also 
decorated with these patriotic emblems. 

The refreshments, consisting of ices, cake, tonics, nuts, and 
home-made candies were served by the following members of 
the Violet Club, dressed in the attractive Red Cross uniform: 
Agnes Walker, Regina Lanois, Mabel Rogers, Alice Lonergan, 
Bina Lonergan, May Carney, Myra Lever, and Irene Rogers. 
Anna Lanois was dressed in the costume of a French peasant. 

The gayeties of the evening were interspersed now and then 
by the following guests who furnished delightful entertainment, 
being introduced by Dr. John L. Coffin in his happiest manner: 
Mr. Vernon Innett of Worcester, soloist; Mrs. Dorothy Brigham 
Elderkin of Marlborough, solo dancer; Miss Charlotte Eliot of 
Marlborough, soloist; Miss Marion Tucker of Westborough, 
reader; Miss Helen Gates of Shrewsbury, 'cellist; and Mr. Frank 
Webster of Haverhill, whistler. The entertainment closed with 
the "Star Spangled Banner," sung by the audience. 

FROM THE TRENCHES 

May 16, 1918, Thursday. A lecture was given in the town 
hall this evening by Sergeant-Major Beasley of the Canadian 
Army, under the auspices of the American Fund for French 
Wounded. There was an entertainment preceding the lecture — 
singing by Jerome L. Van Home, Francis G. Logan, and a quar- 
tette composed of C. Montford Brigham, Robert Brigham, Mrs. 
Moore, and Mrs. F. B. Van Ornum. 

The lecturer had been a long time in the service and had 
been in the famous battles of Ypres and the Somme. His 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 375 

lecture was the most illuminating and the most heart-stirring 
that we have yet heard in town. He simply talked his ex- 
periences right out of his heart, and what he said went directly 
to the hearts of his hearers. 

THE RED CROSS 

The Northborough Branch of the American Red Cross had 
its beginning in Grand Army Hall on the afternoon of April 19, 
1917. 

The initial meeting was held under the auspices of the 
Ladies' Social Alliance of the Unitarian Church. That organ- 
ization made arrangements with Hon. Charles G. Washburn, 
of Worcester, and Mrs. George E. Greeley, of Marlborough, to 
speak to the people of Northborough in the interests of the 
Red Cross. A general invitation was extended, in the hope 
that there would be a sufficient number of our townspeople 
interested to organize a branch in this town. The meeting 
proved that Northborough was already awake to the necessity 
of the great work which the American Red Cross was destined 
to perform in the great war, for the invitation brought out an 
audience of upwards of a hundred people. 

Mr. Washburn, in a very charming manner, gave an historical 
account of the humanitarian work which that organization had 
done. His talk was the more interesting and impressive because 
he had personally seen much of the work he described. 

Mrs. Greeley outlined the manner in which a branch of the 
Red Cross might be organized. 

Both speakers kindled enthusiasm in the minds of the audi- 
ence to such an extent that it was determined then and there to 
effect a temporary organization. So the Alliance meeting was 
brought to a close, and a general meeting opened. 

The meeting proceeded at once to the business in hand and 
effected a temporary organization with the following officers: 

Chairman, Rev. J. C. Kent; secretary, Bancroft Beatley; 
treasurer, Ezra H. Bigelow; executive committee. Dr. J. M. 
Stanley, Mrs. Samuel T. Maynard, and William H. Stearns. 

After instructing the above officers to take the necessary 
steps to effect a permanent organization, the meeting adjourned. 

These officers met at the home of William H. Stearns on April 
23, when they drew up the following recommendations for a 
permanent organization : 

That the chairman should be a woman ; 

That the secretary should be a woman ; 

That the treasurer should be a man ; 



376 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

That there should be an executive committee of three, two 
of whom should be women, in addition to the chairman, secretary, 
and treasurer, who should be members ex officio ; 

That there should be a finance committee of three, all of 
whom should be men, with the treasurer a member ex officio; 

That there should be a membership committee of three; 

That there should be a delegate to the Council; 

That the executive committee should have power to create 
committees from time to time as they might be needed. 

When, finally, the necessary papers were received from head- 
quarters, a second general meeting was held, in Historical Hall, 
on May 15. The above recommendations were accepted, and 
the meeting proceeded to effect a permanent organization. 

The chairman appointed the following as a nominating 
committee: Dr. J. M. Stanley, Ezra H. Bigelow, Mrs. Samuel T. 
Maynard, Mrs. Mary B. Sawyer, and Mrs. George E. Armour. 
This committee retired, and after a while returned and made 
the following report, which was accepted, and the nominees 
were duly elected : 

Chairman: Mrs. Noah Wadsworth. 

Secretary: Miss Emma L. Randlett. 

Treasurer: Ezra H. Bigelow. 

Delegate to Council of Marlborough Chapter: Miss Fannie 
Bemis. 

Executive Committee: George A. Brigham,* Mrs. Frederick A. 
King, and Mrs. George E. Armour. 

Finance Committee : William J. Potter, Dr. Josiah M. Stanley, 
and Alfred Thomas. 

Membership Committee: Mrs. Frank H. Foster, Mrs. William 
F. Gilbert, Mrs. C. Montford Brigham, and Miss Helen Fitzgerald. 

At a later meeting, after the work of the branch was well 
underway, it was found necessary to create the following offices: 

Vice-Chairman: Mrs. Norman B. Potter. 

Vice-Secretary: Mrs. Frank W. Eames. 

Branch Council: Miss Fannie Bemis, Mrs. Frederick A. King, 
and Mrs. Thomas H. Blair. 

THE RED CROSS WAR AND NAVY FUND COMMITTEE 

When it became definitely settled that the President of the 
United States in his capacity as President of the American Red 

*Mr. Brigham resigned at a later meeting and Dr. John L. CoflBin was elected in his 
stead. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 377 

Cross was to issue an appeal to the country at large for a fund of 
one hundred million dollars for the use of that organization, the 
following gentlemen were appointed a commitee for the purpose 
of collecting such a quota of that amount as should be assigned 
to Northborough : 

Dr. Josiah M. Stanley, Dr. John L. Coffin, Rev. Josiah C. 
Kent, Ezra H. Bigelow, Martin H. Ryan, Thomas F. Lonergan, 
and C. Montford Brigham. 

The committee met at the Northborough Bank (June 14), 
and organized as follows: 

Chairman: Dr. Josiah M. Stanley. 
Secretary: Rev. J. C. Kent. 
Treasurer: Ezra H. Bigelow. 

June 18, 1917, Monday. The secretary was instructed to 
prepare a statement concerning the purposes of the fund, to be 
read in the churches on the following Sunday. On June 18, he 
reported that he had done so, and that the following circular 
letter had been read in all the churches the day before. It was 
then voted that the letter be printed and mailed to every family 
in town. This was done. 

'To the People of Northborough: 

"The President of the United States, in his capacity as 
President of the American Red Cross, has designated the week 
beginning June 18, as 'Red Cross Week.' It is purposed to 
raise during that week, one hundred million dollars for the 
work of the American Red Cross. The principal work of that 
society will be the adequate and proper caring for our soldiers 
who might be injured on the field of battle. To obtain this 
large sum of money, a personal canvass of every family in the 
country will be made by committees appointed for that purpose. 
The sum of money which Northborough is expected to contrib- 
ute to this fund is $1200. That seems a large amount for our 
small town to raise; but it should be our duty, and our ambition, 
and our pride to raise it. Northborough has never failed in 
patriotism or in philanthropy. Let us see to it that she does 
not fail at this time. This is the greatest emergency that has 
ever faced our country. Our soldiers have already begun to 
cross the ocean, and they will soon be fighting to set the people 
of the world free. They are willing to give their lives for this 
purpose. We who cannot go to the battle front have a patriotic 
duty toward those who do go. We must surround them with 
every comfort within our power, and provide for them the best 



378 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

medical and surgical aid which modern science affords. TO DO 
THIS IS OUR SACRED DUTY. 

"Collectors will call upon every family in this town during the 
coming week. Let each person give liberally, according to his 
means. 

"Signed, J. M. Stanley, President 
"JosiAfi C. Kent, Secretary 

''Red Cross War Fund Committee.'" 

The above circular made it plain to the people what their 
duty in the matter was; and when the collectors called upon 
them they were ready with their contributions. That the 
citizens of Northborough accepted their duty is attested by the 
liberality with which they responded. When the committee 
made their final report it was made known that the contribu- 
tions amounted to $1544.96. As the quota for the town was 
only $1200, it will be seen that the town went "over the top" 
to the extent of $344.96. 

But how much did it cost to collect that sum? It is generally 
supposed, in such matters, that a large part of the collection is 
eaten up by the cost of collecting it. But that was not true 
in this case. The secretary reported a bill of $8.99 which included 
cost of printing circulars, envelopes, stamps, and record book. 
And even this small bill was not taken out of the collection, but 
was paid out of the general fund of the Red Cross Society. 
Every cent of the contribution ($1544.96), therefore, was sent 
to headquarters at Washington. 

Headquarters at Washington required that every contribu- 
tion sent to it should be accompanied with a detailed statement 
of every contributor to the fund, however small. This require- 
ment necessitated considerable clerical Vv^ork, for the various 
lists had to be copied twice. This work was done without 
expense by Mrs. Marion W. Parmenter who volunteered her 
services. 

How the committee felt about deducting any portion of 
this fund for expenses is indicated by the following: 

At a meeting of the committee, held on July 30, 1917, it was 
stated that the Marlborough Chapter of American Red Cross, of 
which our Northborough organization is a branch, was contem- 
plating asking for a rebate from this fund for expenses (the rebate 
to be used for its local work). Our committee expressed them- 
selves as not being in sympathy with this idea; and on motion 
of Mr. Lonergan, the following vote was passed: "That the 
chairman, secretary, and Dr. Coffin be a committee to draw up 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 379 

and present to the Marlborough Chapter, a protest against any 
of Northborough's contribution being rebated, should the Marl- 
borough Chapter decide to ask for a rebate." 

The committee retired, and after a while, returned and 
presented the following statement: 

'To the Marlborough Chapter of the American Red Cross: 
Gentlemen : 

"The Red Cross War and Navy Committee of Northborough 
send you herewith a list of contributors to the Red Cross Fund. 
The contribution totals $1544.96. The number of contrib- 
utors is 388. This means that practically every family in 
Northborough made a contribution. 

"In transmitting this report we desire to say that our com- 
mittee is composed of seven representative business and pro- 
fessional men who personally devoted their time to the collection 
of this fund. We present no bill of expense. Such expense as 
was incurred will be taken care of locally. We desire that this 
fund be transmitted to headquarters at Washington, intact. 

"We understand that some localities have it in mind to claim 
a large rebate on account of expenses. This idea meets with 
no sympathy from our committee. The people of North- 
borough were given to understand that the full amount of their 
contributions was to be sent to headquarters, and the com- 
mittee accepted their offerings with this understanding. We 
desire to keep faith with the people of Northborough. 

"Therefore we protest against our offering being incorpo- 
rated into any amount that might be used as a basis for any 
bill of expenses that the Marlborough Chapter might choose to 
make." 

The above statement was unanimously accepted, and the 
secretary was authorized to afifix the signature of the full com- 
mittee to it. 

DANCE FOR THE RED CROSS 

June 27, 1917, Wednesday. A dance was held at Lake 
Chauncy this evening for the benefit of the Red Cross. It 
was a great success. The proprietor of the pavilion made no 
charge for it; the orchestra donated their services; and there 
was no expense save for printing the tickets. The net proceeds 
amounted to just $100. 

FOOD SALE 

July 6, 1917, Friday. The Northborough Woman's Club 
held a food sale on Noah Wadsworth's lawn this afternoon for 



380 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

the benefit of the Red Cross. The weather was perfect. The 
entire proceeds were given to the Northborough Branch of the 
Red Cross. 

LAWN PARTY 

July 27, 1917. A very pretty lawn party was held this 
evening on Stephen W. Norcross's estate on Hudson Street. 
It was given under the auspices of the "Violet Club," and for 
the benefit of the Red Cross. The club is composed of the 
following young ladies who were anxious to do their "bit" for 
the war: Agnes Walker, Regina Lanois, Mary Dumont, Ruth 
LaPorte, Alice Lonergan, Bena Lonergan, Irene Rogers, Mabel 
Rogers, and Myra Lever. 

The club was aided by the generous assistance of Mr. and 
Mrs. Stephen W. Norcross, and Mr. Thomas F. Lonergan. The 
Marlborough Electric Light Co. furnished light free of charge. 
The entertainment was furnished by local talent and by several 
players from Poli's Theatre in Worcester, without charge. 
The party was very successful in every way and reflected much 
credit upon the young ladies who managed it. It netted $75, 
which was turned into the treasury of the Red Cross. 

LABOR DAY: PENNY DAY 
September 3, 1917, Monday. Mrs. Noah Wadsworth, chair- 
man of the Red Cross, hit upon a novel plan for raising money 
for the Red Cross today. She had six Boy Scouts stationed, 
two in front of the bank, two in the square, and two in front of 
the hotel, with small baskets, soliciting contributions from 
passing automobilists. "V^ery few passed without dropping 
something into the baskets. One hundred and sixty dollars was 
raised in this way. 

MARY BOYLE O'REILLY 

May 24, 1918, Thursday. Miss Mary Boyle O'Reilly lectured 
in the town hall this evening under the auspices of the Red 
Cross. The hall was crowded. Her subject was "One Thou- 
sand Days Behind the Fighting Lines." 

Miss O'Reilly spent about three years as a Red Cross nurse — 
was in all the warring countries, save Germany, and naturally 
had a full and rich experience. And being a good speaker, she 
told that experience in such a way that her auditors were able 
to get a comprehensive grasp of the situation "over there." 
Her address was punctuated with just enough Irish wit to 
lighten the sombreness of the subject. Her audience was 
spellbound. Her's was the most illuminating talk on the war 
that we in Northborough have yet heard. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 381 

The lecture was preceded by a short entertainment which 
was very effective. There were no decorations whatever on the 
stage when the entertainment began. But before it closed the 
stage was very effectively decorated. First appeared Ruth 
Russell bearing a large Italian flag, accompanied by Mrs. Ethel 
Moore (wife of one of our high school teachers) dressed in 
Italian costume. They placed themselves at the right hand 
corner of the stage where, beneath the folds of that country's 
emblem, Mrs. Moore sang the Italian national song. Then 
appeared Irene Rogers, with the English Jack, accompanied by 
Mrs. Harry Whittaker. They placed themselves at the left- 
hand corner of the stage while Mrs. Whittaker sang the national 
hymn of England. Then came Mildred Felt with the tricolor 
of France, accompanied by Mrs. Alice Warren who sang lustily 
the soul-stirring French anthem, the "Marseillaise." Finally, 
came Agnes Walker, proudly bearing aloft the stars and stripes, 
and Bessie Smith with the ever-blessed banner of the Red Cross. 
Placing themselves in the center of the stage the vast audience 
sang, as it had never been sung before in Northborough, our 
own national anthem — "The Star Spangled Banner." Mrs. 
Winifred Stone presided at the piano. 

The audience, of course, was on its feet. After which, the 
banners were placed in standards, and remained as stage decora- 
tions throughout the evening. Eight or ten young ladies dressed 
as Red Cross nurses, sat in a row at the back of the stage. A 
more effective, and at the same time, inspiring decoration, has 
seldom been seen on our town hall stage. 

To Mrs. Noah Wadsworth, the highly efficient chairman of 
the Northborough Branch of the Red Cross, was due the whole 
entertainment, decorations and all. 

FIRST ANNUAL MEETING 

May 15, 1918, Wednesday. In another place, mention is 
made of a flag-raising which took place on the town house 
steps this evening. After this meeting the audience repaired 
to the hall above when the first annual meeting of the North- 
borough Branch of the Red Cross was held. The meeting was 
preceded by a short entertainment — song by Ralph E. Wads- 
worth; song by Miss Lillian Johnson, of Worcester; reading of a 
Red Cross poem by Miss Mahoney (one of our teachers), and an 
address by Mr. George Gaskell, of Worcester. 

The treasurer's report was of such a nature as to cause the 
blood of every lover of Northborough to tingle with pride. It 
stated that more than $2900 was raised and spent during the 
past year. 



382 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The first year of the Northborough Branch of the Red Cross 
was a highly successful one. And as Mrs. Noah Wadsworth, 
the chairman, felt herself unable to continue in that office 
another year, this seems a proper place in which to speak of her 
connection with the work. The great success of the year's work 
was due, of course to every one — for everyone responded to the 
necessary call willingly and gladly. Never before did the people 
of this town rise to such a stupendous task as they did to this 
unprecedented call. Men and women, young and old, even 
the smallest children who seemed to be conscious of some over- 
hanging calamity, worked and worked and worked, to do some- 
thing for the boys "over there." But such a great work as was 
done must have a directing head. Mrs. Wadsworth put herself 
heart and soul into this work. She worked incessantly, day 
and night. She gathered about her a corps of willing workers 
who were eager to work and then work some more. Mrs. 
Wadsworth is a very conscientious woman, and very exacting, 
not only upon those who work with her, but upon herself. 
She set a very high standard and rigidly upheld that 
standard. 

No branch in the Marlborough Chapter (to which the 
Northborough Branch belongs) surpassed the amount and 
quality of work done by the Northborough Branch. It has 
been commended by the Marlborough Chapter, by the Worces- 
ter Chapter, and by the Boston Headquarters. That the fore- 
going statement is not mere flattery is attested by the following 
fact: At a big convention of the Red Cross held in Boston a few 
weeks ago, every local branch was entitled to send one delegate. 
But the Northborough Branch, because of its quantity and 
quality of work was asked to send two delegates. 

Mention should be made too, of Mrs. Robert A. Stone 
(Ellen Richardson). Mrs. Stone has been chairman of the 
Entertainment Committee, and as such, has devoted much 
time, thought, and energy to the getting up of entertain- 
ments. 

Dr. J. M. Stanley, also, has been indefatigable in behalf of 
the Red Cross. He has been a liberal contributor of money; 
he has placed his automobile at the service of the Branch, carry- 
ing supplies to and from the Marlborough Chapter, thus saving 
the cost of expressage; and he has given liberally and willingly 
of his time. 

In short, every one who has had anything to do with its 
management has worked with a will. And it is because of this 
fact that the year's work has been so successful. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 383 

THE SECOND RED CROSS WAR FUND 

June 6, 1918, Thursday. The President of the United States 
announced recently that the American Red Cross had decided to 
make another appeal to the country for a large fund for the 
benefit of that organization, and that they had appointed the 
week beginning May 20 for its collection. As in the first "drive," 
every city and town in the country was apportioned a certain 
amount to raise. Northborough was asked to raise $1500. The 
Northborough committee followed the same plan that it found 
so successful a year ago. The following printed circular was 
mailed to every family in town : 

''To the People of Northborough: 

"The President of the United States has issued an appeal 
for $100,000,000 for the work of the American Red Cross. It 
is hardly necessary to explain why such a large amount of 
money is needed, for you have read the newspapers diligently 
during the past year, and have kept in touch with the work of 
that noble organization. A similar sum contributed a year 
ago, has been spent wisely, judiciously, and effectively under 
the direction of a board of managers composed of the most 
successful business men in the country. That money was used 
where it was most needed. It carried medical and surgical 
supplies, and comforts of life into all the army hospitals. on the 
battlefields of Europe. Letters from our boys 'over there' 
speak in the most grateful terms concerning the work of the Red 
Cross. That work must be continued throughout the present 
year, for the need is greater now than ever before. 

"Northborough has been asked to contribute $1500 toward 
the new fund. Northborough has responded nobly to all calls 
that have been made upon her during the present crisis: but 
there is a special reason why she should respond generously to 
the present appeal. Fifty of her young men have donned their 
country's uniform, and many of them are with the colors 'over 
there,' and have already received their baptism of war. One of 
them, George W. Nelson, has reflected honor upon the town 
because of his distinguished bravery and has been awarded the 
War Cross by the French Army. All of them have sacrificed 
everything they hold dear, and stand ready to lay down their 
lives if need be, in defense of their country's honor. One of 
them has laid down his life. If our boys be willing to make 
the great sacrifice for us, we should be willing to sacrifice our 
pleasures — and our money for their comfort and protection. 
Northborough has never failed in the matter of patriotism. Let 
us see to it that she does not fail now. 



384 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"A HOUSE-TO-HOUSE CANVASS WILL BE MADE 
DURING THE WEEK BEGINNING MAY 20. 

"Signed, Dr. J. M. Stanley, Chairman 
Rev. Josiah C. Kent, Secretary 
Dr. John L. Coffin 
Ezra H. Bigelow 
Martin H. Ryan 
C. Montford Brigham 
Thomas F. Lonergan 

Red Cross War Fund Committee. ^^ 

At the appointed time the committee made a personal canvass 
of every family in town, and the fund was collected as per 
schedule. There never was greater enthusiasm in giving than 
was manifested throughout the country during this campaign. 
Every member of the Northborough committee reports the 
same tale. We would ring a door bell, say to the person who 
came to the door: "You are on my Red Cross list," but before 
we had a chance to say more, the person at the door would say: 
"Yes, I have been expecting someone to call; come in." And 
this was the spirit manifested everywhere, save in a very few 
instances. . 

Collecting money under such conditions was a joy. The 
result in Northborough was as follows: instead of the $1500 we 
were asked to contribute, the town of Northborough contributed 

$2754.32. 

There was considerable talk everywhere among large em- 
ployers of labor, "Give a day's pay." And in many places this 
was done. The children, of course, heard this talk, and at least 
two of them in our town decided to emulate their elders in this 
particular. That accounts for the thirty-two cents. Chester F. 
Warren (aged ten years) and Willard W. Poland (aged nine years) 
were imbued with a desire to "give a day's pay." They sell 
papers; and one day the Warren boy made seventeen and the 
Poland boy fifteen cents, which they turned over to the com- 
mittee with as much pride and satisfaction as their elders who 
contributed larger sums. 

There were five hundred and twenty-three contributors to 
this fund which means that every family in Northborough (and 
several members of the family) with one or two exceptions, 
contributed something. Northborough certainly did herself 
proud in this matter. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 385 

CARNATION DAY 

June 15, 1918, Saturday. Today was "Carnation Day" 
in town. A very pretty lawn party was held on Mrs. Sarah 
E. Emery's lawn, adjacent to the town hall. It was arranged 
by a group of young ladies of whom Miss Agnes A. Walker 
was chairman. The soliciting committee consisted of Edna H. 
Maynard, Ruth H. Russell, Edna M. Burgoyne, and Agnes A. 
Walker. Carnations were in charge of Ruth H. Russell, Olive 
Johnson, Esther Bigelow, Pearl E. Bigelow, Mary H. Ryan, 
Dorothy Russell, Olive Russell, Pauline Peinze, Mildred Felt, 
Lillian Norcross, and Bertha Bliss of Shrewsbury. Ice cream 
booths were managed by Edna H. Maynard, Carleton Russell, 
and Howard Burgoyne. Food tables were in charge of Edna M. 
Burgoyne and Irene E. Rogers. Laura Chabot had charge of 
the candy table, and Myra Lever, of the punch bowl. 

The party was called "Carnation Day" because carnations 
formed its principal feature. The girls, dressed in Red Cross 
costumes, waylaid everybody, especially people on the electric 
cars and people in automobiles, and by their sweet persuasive- 
ness induced them to "buy a carnation." No one, especially 
the young men (and at such a time all men are young) could 
resist the charms of the pretty girls; and before the party 
was over the girls had disposed of 2100 carnations. The carna- 
tions were furnished by R. E. Wadsworth & Co., florists; and at 
so small a cost that they might be termed a gift. The party 
netted a profit of $150 for the Red Cross. 

TAG DAY 

July 4, 1918, Thursday. The glorious "Fourth of July" was 
utilized as "Tag Day" today, for the benefit of the Red Cross. 
Young ladies in Red Cross costumes all along the streets button- 
holed everybody that came along, automobiles and all, and 
persuaded them to buy tags. The scheme netted $250. 

WORK ACCOMPLISHED 

Work accomplished by Northborough Branch, Marlborough 
Chapter, American Red Cross, from June 5, 1917, to March 
1, 1919: 1087 pairs socks, 653 sweaters, 225 helmets, 405 pairs 
wristers, 307 mufiflers, 8 afghans (knitted), 117 bandages 
(knitted, 3 yards), 39 sleeping caps, 739 mitts, 73 sponges. Total 
of knitted articles, 3713. 105 surgical leggings, 216 surgical 
shirts, 158 pajama suits, 77 convalescent robes, 4558 handker- 
chiefs, 308 tumbler covers, 225 pitcher covers, 50 tray cloths, 
898 button bags, 16 spreads, 152 toilet and comfort kits, 60 



386 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

property bags, 594 layettes, 1500 eye and mouth wipes, 2 
women's house gowns, 8 women's skirts, 20 women's chemises, 1 
petticoat, 27 boys' underdrawers, 2 girls' dresses, 2 girls' pina- 
fores, 8 girls' capes, 3 boys' suits, 24 boy's undershirts, 34 men's 
shirts, 510 comfort pillows, 34 women's jackets, 9 patchwork 
quilts, 125 Christmas bags, 21 Christmas boxes (inspected, 
packed and expressed), 1475 pounds used clothes (collected, 
packed and expressed). Total for sewing, 9752; total for sew- 
ing and knitting, 13,465. Number of articles made from June 
5, 1917, to June 5, 1918, 12,255. Number of articles made 
from Sept. 1, 1918, to March 1, 1919, 1210. 

Work accomplished on surgical dressings by Northborough 
Branch, Marlborough Chapter, American Red Cross, from 
April 18, 1918, to November 14, 1918, deducting five weeks when 
rooms were closed. This covers a period of twenty-three weeks 
working one day each week: 21 abdominal bandages, 39 T 
bandages, 71 triangular bandages, 89 four- tailed bandages, 52 
many-tailed bandages, 824 carrel wipes, 800 sponges, 4523 appli- 
cators, 603 tampons, 65 cotton pads (8 x 12), 88 cotton pads 
(12 X 24), 22 scultetus bandages, 19 splint straps, 28 shot bags 
(small), 31 shot bags (large), 100 gauze wipes (4 x 4), 50 com- 
presses (4 X 8), 322 compresses (16 x 18), 280 packet cases, 1120 
gauze compresses (4x6), 280 plaited bandages, 280 front line 
packets (red label), 267 compresses (4|x 9), 27 influenza masks, 100 
oakum pads (large), 57 oakum pads (small), 280 pads of absorb- 
ent and non-absorbent cotton (4x6). Total number of surgical 
dressings, 8150. Several of these bandages consumed the whole 
day to complete one. Each front line packet (red label) con- 
tained : 1 plaited bandage 7 feet long, 2 inches wide ; 4 compresses 
(4x6); 1 pad of absorbent and non-absorbent cotton (4 x 6) ; 2 
tampons, 1 applicator. 

Knitting 3,713 

Sewing 9,752 

Surgical 8,158 

Sum total 21,623 

Upon the retirement of Mrs. Wadsworth on May 15, 1918, 
Miss Emma L. Randletf became chairman of the Northborough 
Branch and the good work was continued under her direction. 

THE JUNIOR RED CROSS 

The Northborough Branch of the Junior Red Cross was 
organized soon after our country entered the war. The 
purpose of the organization was to interest the school children 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 387 

in relief work by making them feel that they had an important 
part in "winning the war." Mrs. Marion W. Parmenter was 
chairman and Mrs. Ezra H. Bigelow, secretary-treasurer. 
Through the untiring efforts of these officers the children of 
Northborough rose grandly to the occasion and accomplished 
a great deal of work. They made quilts, afghans, children's 
layettes, scarfs, and sweaters. In the earlier days they worked 
primarily for the destitute children of Belgium, but later they 
did other work. They helped to fill Christmas bags for our 
soldiers "over there," and they made scrap books for the enter- 
tainment of the soldiers in the hospitals. One thing they made, 
and of which they were very proud, was a quilt made entirely by 
the boys. AH through the war the children seemed to have an 
adequate sense of the terrible calamity that had fallen upon the 
world. Truly, the children of Northborough, in common 
with the children of the country, performed an heroic part in 
bringing the war to a successful close. 

THRIFT STAMPS 
War Saving Stamps 

Throughout the entire period of the war the children were 
made to feel that they had an important part to play in that 
great event. To this end, the Government asked the children 
to furnish money to help "win the war." It enabled the 
children to do this, by issuing "thrift stamps" which could be 
bought for twenty-five cents each, these to be pasted into a 
book and converted into a war stamp when sixteen had been 
thus purchased. 

On January 21, 1918, the Public Safety Committee appointed 
the following Thrift Stamp Committee: Dr. John L. Coffin, 
Martin H. Ryan, Frederick B. Van Ornum, and Dr. J. M. Stanley. 

Postmaster Ryan reports that during the year 1918, the 
amount of War Savings Stamps sold was $7922.59; and amount 
of Thrift Stamps sold was $1979.75. 



RECEPTION TO THE RETURNING BOYS 
February 2, 1919, Sunday. Soon after the armistice was signed 
(November 11, 1918), the demobilization of the soldiers began, and 
the boys in the home camps soon found their way home. A 
little while ago. Governor McCall appointed a committee to wel- 
come the returning soldiers and sailors. This committee sent out 
a letter to every city and town in the state asking that local 
committees be appointed for that purpose, and that formal 
receptions be held on the first Sunday of each month, beginning 
with February, and continuing until all had returned. 



388 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 



In compliance with this request the Selectmen of North- 
borough appointed the following committee to extend a warm 
welcome to the Northborough boys: 

Dr. John L. Coffin, Chairman Mrs. C. Montford Brigham 
Dr. Josiah M. Stanley Miss Cora Small 

George A. Brigham Rev. James A. Hurley 

Ezra H. Bigelow Rev. A. P. Van Dusen 

Mrs. Noah Wadsworth Rev. A. T. Ringold 

Mrs. George E. Armour Rev. J. C. Kent 

The first "welcome home" was given this evening, February 2, 
and a warm welcome it was. Twenty-six of the boys were present, 
who, with young ladies attending them, lined up in front of the 
stage as follows, while a large number of the townspeople greeted 
them with a vigorous handshake and with hearty words of 
welcome home: 



Herman and Walter Peinze 


Miss Miriam Parmenter 


Clarence Harrington 


Miss Mabel Harrington 


Louis Guertin 


Miss Lillian Guertin 


Lieut. Charles Brigham 


Miss Dorothy Corey 


Francis and Frederick Leary 


Miss Laura Leary 


Martin H. Ryan 


Miss Mary Ryan 


Amory Gilbert 


Miss Louise Eldridge 


Lieut. Hosmer Kimball 


Miss Florence Felt 


Cecil Derosier 


Miss Alice Lonergan 


Walter Kelley 


Miss Lucy Kelley 


Arthur and James Irvine 


Miss Fannie Bemis 


George Gauvin 


Miss Corinna Gauvin 


Edward B. Maynard 


Miss Edna Maynard 


Lieut. Carl Peinze 


Miss Ruth Pvussell 


Fred Robinson 


Mrs. Fred Robinson 


William A. Richards 


Mrs. William A. Richards 


Walter Chabot 


Miss Laura Chabot 


Edward A. Lucies 


Miss Helen Carbrey 


Herbert A. Stone 


Miss Edna Burgoyne 


Winfred Stone 


Miss Mabel McCabe 


Harlan Kimball 


Miss Sawyer 


Elmer T. Bemis 


Miss Mary Bemis 


James Callahan 


Miss Julia Callahan 


John Danckert 


Miss Theresa Danckert 



After the reception the people were called to order by Dr. 
John L. Coffin, in his usual felicitous manner, and the blessing 
of God was invoked by Rev. A. T. Ringold, pastor of the Baptist 
Church. 

Then was sung the following group of songs, under the 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 389 

leadership of Mrs. Walter O. Brigham: "The Star-Spangled 
Banner," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," "Battle 
Hymn of the Republic." 

Then Dr. J. M. Stanley, in an admirable address, welcomed 
the boys to their home town. He reminded them, that, while 
they did not have the privilege of going overseas and fighting 
on the battle-front, they prepared themselves to do so and would 
have gone had not the war been brought to such an abrupt end. 
"Your spirit and ambition were identical with the spirit and 
ambition of those who did go 'over there,' and it was that 
spirit that counted." He told the boys that they were the 
better prepared to become useful citizens in the future because 
of the military training they had received. 

Then followed the singing of another group of songs: "Onward 
Christian Soldiers," "Come Thou Almighty King," "America the 
Beautiful." Then another group of songs: "The U. S. A. For- 
ever," "The Marseillaise," "America." 

Then followed a benediction by Rev. J. C. Kent, pastor of 
the Unitarian Church. 

After the literary and musical program, refreshments were 
served to the boys and their young lady attendants. The 
"canteen" was in charge of Mrs. George E. Armour, Mrs. C. 
Montford Brigham, Mrs. William L. Wadsworth, and Miss Annie 
Heath. 

The stage was tastefully decorated with small evergreen trees 
and a small khaki tent around which were grouped a number of 
boy scouts. 

Music was furnished by an orchestra composed of Albert 
Carr, Gordon Ringold, Francis Logan, and Miss Myra Lever. 

THE BOYS FROM "OVERSEAS" BEGIN TO ARRIVE 

April 6, 1919, Sunday. There was great rejoicing in the 
square this evening. Just before nine o'clock the fire alarm 
sounded eight strokes, twice. That meant that one of the boys 
of the 26th Division (the Yankee Division) had arrived from 
Camp Devens. The church bells soon were ringing, and the 
fire alarm sounded at intervals until twelve o'clock. By that 
time five of the boys had arrived as follows: 

Corp. Frank Miller 

Corp. Ernest Blakeley 
Dennis Weagle 

Corp. John Vincent Carney 

Sergt. Clarence N. Nelson 



390 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

And glad they were to set foot on Northborough soil once 
more! (They had been absent eighteen months.) And if the 
noise was any indication of the feelings of the large crowd that 
soon gathered, then the boys must have felt sure that North- 
borough was glad to see them. 

The boys arrived in Boston from France yesterday and the 
day before, and went direct to Camp Devens, in Ayer. Being 
so near home, they could not stay away any longer, so they 
obtained furloughs and came home. 

They were royally entertained by William Ellsworth at his 
restaurant. He gave them all they could possibly eat (without 
charge, of course), while others loaded them down with cigars, 
cigarettes, and candy. And everybody gave them the glad hand. 
Nothing was too good for them. 

Miller and Blakeley had been badly "gassed" in battle; 
Nelson slightly, and Carney badly wounded. But all had fully 
recovered and were in good spirits. 

AN IMPROMPTU AFFAIR 

April 11, 1919, Friday. Dr. Stanley called me up on the 
'phone about six o'clock and told me that the people wanted an 
impromptu automobile parade this evening in recognition of 
another returning soldier — Harold Burbank, who returned this 
afternoon — and that they wanted me to make a speech. Of 
course I said, "Yes, I'll be there." At nine o'clock the pro- 
cession started from the center, headed by Dr. Stanley's new 
auto containing Dr. Stanley, Dr. Coffin, and myself. There 
were sixteen autos and trucks in line, all heavily loaded. One 
of them contained the remnants of the Northborough Band (the 
band came to an untimely end during the war, owing to the fact 
that many of its members had entered the military service). 

The procession moved to the homes of all the returned over- 
seas soldiers which were serenaded and before which quantities 
of red fire was burned. Soon after the procession started, it 
began to rain, and before long it was raining hard. But rain 
did not dampen the ardor of the serenaders. The homes of the 
soldiers being widely separated we traversed the whole town 
before we broke up. Before starting, Mr. Kent made a short 
address at the fountain, and at each home he extended the 
welcome of the town. 

There was much enthusiasm in this impromptu alTair, and I 
am sure that the boys appreciated the warmth and genuineness 
of this "Welcome Home." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 391 

ANOTHER IMPROMPTU AFFAIR 

April 14, 1919, Monday. Another of the boys arrived in town 
this afternoon, from Camp Devens, and the fire alarm welcomed 
him as it had the others. This evening there was a demonstra- 
tion in the square. A platform was erected, a piano brought 
from the Assabet Hotel, and remnants of the Northborough 
Band brought together. The church bells rang and the fire 
alarm tooted. Music was provided, and speeches made by 
Sergeant Walsh and others. It was a spontaneous welcome 
which must have brought cheer and satisfaction to the heart of 
Sergeant Walsh after his eighteen months of service in France. 
Walsh is a member of Battery E, 102nd Field Artillery and, 
with the rest of the famous Yankee Division, saw nine months 
of continuous fighting. 

BELLS RING AGAIN 

May 10, 1919, Saturday. The bells and fire alarm rang out 
again this afternoon at two o'clock and at six o'clock. Eben W. 
Paul arrived home from Camp Devens, having been away from 
honie since July 2, 1917. He was attached to the famous 2nd 
Division of the Regular Army, which division saw much severe 
fighting in France. Paul had served a three years' enlistment in 
the Regular Army before his present enlistment, and saw service 
in Vera Cruz in 1916, at the time when our army was occupying 
that Mexican port. 

At six o'clock Corp. Julius K. Adams arrived from France, 
where he had been attached to the Tank Corps. 

MORE BELLS 

May 14, 1919, Wednesday. The bells and fire alarm rang out 
again today at 6.45 o'clock to welcome the return of Sergt. 
Francis Gilbert from overseas. 

June 15, 1919, Sunday. Irving S. Balcom was welcomed 
home from the Na\'y at noon today, by the usual ringing of 
church bells, and the eight whistles of the fire alarm, twice 
repeated. 

At eight o'clock this evening, a similar welcome was extended 
to James J. Buchanan of the 104th Regiment, 26th Division. 



392 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



Celebration 

In Honor o£ Her Returning 

Soldiers and Sailors 

By tKe Town of NortKborou^K, Mass. 
Tuesday, June 17, 1919 



So it's home again, and home again, America for me! 
My heart is turning home again, and there I long to be, 
In the land of youth and freedom beyond the ocean bars. 
Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars. 

Oh, it's home again, and home again, America for me! 
I want a ship that's westward bound to plough the rolling 

sea. 
To the Blessed Land of Room Enough beyond the ocean 

bars, 
Where the air is full of sunlight and the flag is full of stars. 

— Henry Van Dyke. 

Welcome Home Committee 



Dr. John L. Coffin 
Dr. J. M. Stanley 
Ezra H. Bigelow 
George A. Brigham 
Mrs. Noah Wadsworth 
Mrs. George E. Armour 



Mrs. C. Montford Brigham 
Miss Cora Small 
Rev. James A. Hurley 
Rev. A. T. Ringold 
Rev. A. P. Van Dusen 
Rev. J. C. Kent 



IN MEMORIAM 



ADOLPH C. NELSON 
VINCENT F. PICARD 



They Died in a Just Cause 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 393 



Northborough is proud of her soldiers and sailors. 
They have added lustre to her patriotic traditions and 
have become an unforgetable part of her history. She 
followed them with prayerful interest during the progress 
of the World War, and now that they have returned to 
her she welcomes them with open arms. She appreciates 
her obligation to them and has set apart the seventeenth 
of June as a day in which to do them honor. She hopes 
and believes that her "Welcome Home" day will con- 
stitute one of the great days in their lives, and that as 
the years go by they will look back upon it with 
honorable pride. 

All hats off to the Soldier and Sailor Boys on June 171 

PROGRAM 

Ringing of church bells at sunrise and sunset. 

P o'clock. Grand parade will form on Church Street. 
This parade has been carefully thought out so as to 
symbolize the many phases of activity in which the 
town engaged during the war. Attention is called to 
two special features: on the way down, the parade will 
halt in the square, where a suitable service will be 
held in memory of the two Northborough boys who 
made the supreme sacrifice in the war; on the way back, 
the parade will again halt in the square, when the ser- 
vice flag will be dedicated. 

11 o'clock. Band concert in the Park. 

12.30 o'clock. Dinner at the town hall. This din- 
ner will be complimentary to the soldiers and sailors 
and their families. 

3 o'clock. Literary exercises in the town hall. The 
official welcome of the town will be extended by Ezra 
H. Bigelow, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and 
Rev. J. C. Kent. Responses will be made by some 
of the boys who served in France. Address by Col. 
John F. J. Herbert, of Worcester, commander of the 
102nd Field Artillery. 

8 to 9 o'clock. Reception and concert in town hall. 

9 o'clock. Grand military ball. 



394 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

NORTHBOROUGH WELCOMES HER OWN 

June 17, 1919, Tuesday. Today was a gala day for North- 
borough, but especially for her returning soldiers. Northborough 
rose to the war situation admirably. She went "over the top" 
in everything. Everybody felt that he must do his "bit" to help 
"win the war," and he did it. We question whether the activ- 
ities of this tow^n during the Great War have been surpassed by 
any other town of its size and resources in the country. Every- 
body worked. Everybody bought bonds. Everybody con- 
tributed to the many "drives" for money. There was almost 
no entertainment given in this town during the entire period 
of the war save for the benefit of the Red Cross and the French 
Relief Fund. 

Lately the boys have been coming home. On the first 
Sunday in February we held a reception for them in the town 
hall. But w^e decided at that time that we would have no more 
monthly receptions (as the original plan was), but that we would 
wait until a large number of the boys were home and then have 
an all-day celebration in their honor. June 17 was fixed upon 
as a suitable time for such celebration. We hoped that by 
that time a larger number of the boys would have returned. 
So it proved. There were seventy-seven in the service and 
fifty-three of them were here today. The committee had 
worked hard to perfect plans for such a Welcome Home as the 
boys would not soon forget. We have every reason to believe 
that we accomplished our purpose. 

First, a word as to the weather. The day before was uncom- 
fortably warm. Today opened with a cloudy sky, considerable 
fog, and, in the early morning, a heavy mist. The fog and mist 
soon disappeared, but the clouds hung over us until about 
noon; but they were not threatening at any time. The tempera- 
ture was just right for comfort. 

The church bells and fire alarm were rung at sunrise, and 
everybody was up bright and early. The first feature of 
the program was a grand parade. As early as eight o'clock the 
floats began to move up Church Street toward the point of mobil- 
ization (junction of Church and Pleasant Streets). By nine 
o'clock they were all there and the procession began to move. 

This parade was a thing of beauty. It was mostly a float 
parade, being designed to symbolize the many phases of activity 
in which the townspeople engaged during the war. It was 
conceived by Dr. J. M. Stanley, who put into it every moment 
of his spare time for many weeks. 

There were two very interesting features of the parade: on 




FEFUL RECOGNITION 01 
'BIOTIC SfftVlCt IH 
-THE" 

WORLD WAR 
I9I7-I9I9 



WAR MEDAL 
Given by N'orthborough to her World War Veterans on 



'Welcome Home Day," June 17, 1919 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 395 

the way down town the parade halted in the square, where a 
simple but solemn service was held in memory of the two boys 
who had made the supreme sacrifice. The soldiers then encircled 
the grass plot, taps were sounded, during which two Grand 
Army men, John F. Hart and Orin M. Bailey, deposited laurel 
wreaths at the base of a floral shaft. Not a word was spoken 
by any one. The recall was then sounded, and the parade 
moved on. 

On its way back, the parade halted again in the square, and a 
large service flag, hung over the street was dedicated. Appro- 
priate songs were sung by the school children and a dedicatory 
address delivered by Ezra H. Bigelow, chairman of the Board 
of Selectmen. 

Then took place a most interesting feature, which was not 
listed on the printed program. The band headed a procession 
of the soldiers, and Red Cross, and French Relief workers, 
and moved to Assabet Park. The soldiers were drawn up in 
line on one side of the tennis court, with the ladies on the oppo- 
site side facing them. The band stationed itself on the slope 
behind and furnished music. Rev. A. T. Ringold then made 
a befitting address, and called out the boys' names — one by one. 
As his name was called, the soldier advanced two or three paces 
and halted. Then the young lady who stood opposite him, 
advanced and pinned upon his left breast a beautiful bronze 
medal — a token of the town's pride in her soldier boys. Vincent 
F. Picard's medal was given to his mother — and not a few 
cheeks were wet with tears as Mr. Kent, chairman of the Soldier's 
Information Bureau, performed this delicate service. 

This feature of the program consumed upwards of an hour. 

The khaki uniforms of the soldiers, and the white costumes 
of the ladies, with the golden glow of the sun streaming over 
all made a beautiful and impressive scene which those who be- 
held it will treasure in their memory for a long time to come. 

A complimentary dinner to the soldiers and their families 
was held in the town hall at twelve-thirty o'clock; after which the 
more formal literary exercises took place. Dr. John L. Cofftn 
presided over these exercises, and in a short but effective address 
made it plain to the boys that Northborough was glad to have 
them home again. Ezra H. Bigelow, on behalf of the Board of 
Selectmen, and Rev. J. C. Kent, on behalf of the townspeople, 
extended a formal welcome home. These formal words were 
hardly necessary, for the boys, long before they were pronounced, 
knew that their town was as glad to have them home as they 
were glad to be home. 



396 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

A stirring address was then given by Col. John F. J. Herbert 
of Worcester, Commander of the 102nd Field Artillery, under 
whom, three of our boys — ^Walsh, Burbank and Walls, served in 
France. The burden of his address was "100% Americanism." 
It was a moving address which held the audience spellbound 
for half an hour. 

RECEPTION AND BALL 

At seven-thirty o'clock the returned service men, the young 
ladies in attendance and the reception committee, met at the 
town hall preparatory to the opening of the reception. The boys, 
in uniform, were stationed on either side of the hall, with the 
young ladies, gowned in white, with red, white, and blue sashes 
floating from the right shoulder, directly in front of them. The 
hall was decorated in a unique manner: the side walls were 
covered with picturesque war posters. Old Glory covered the 
wall behind the stage, on either side of which was the word 
"Welcome" in gilt letters, so arranged that it had the appearance 
of being suspended in mid-air. The front of the stage was 
banked with laurel, while the corners of the stage were adorned 
with great bunches of this same beautiful flower, and with 
flags of the Allied nations. Allied flags, suspended from the 
gallery, gave a brilliant efifect to the rear of the hall. The 
ceiling was almost hidden by bunting of harmonious tones 
gracefully festooned from its center to its four corners. 

The arrival of Major Foley, of Worcester, was one of the 
pleasant features of the evening. He was quickly taken in 
charge by Dr. Coffin who in turn, placed him in charge of Miss 
Mildred Felt to be introduced. 

The reception over, the military ball began at nine o'clock, 
Capt. Frank E. Haskell leading the grand march. 

It was a brilliant occasion — such as is seldom seen in North- 
borough, and a fitting close to a day of great rejoicing. 

The following young ladies were in the reception line: Mildred 
Felt, Bessie Smith, Louise Eldridge, Esther Bigelow, Sarah 
Nelson, Theresa Danckert, Hazel French, Lucy Lonergan, 
Olive Johnson, Elsie Norcross, Laura Sparrow, Margaret Walker, 
Anna Tilley, Dorothy Corey, Marie Parmenter, Ruby Lilly, 
May Richardson, Pearl Bigelow, Daisy Balcom, Laura Leary, 
Miriam Parmenter, Caroline Lilly. 

Reception Committee 

Mrs. Noah Wadsworth Miss Cora Small 

Mrs. George E. Armour Mrs. C. Montford Brigham 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 397 

Decorating Committee 
Mrs. Noah Wadsworth Miss Cora Small 

Mrs. George E. Armour Mrs. C. Montford Brigham 

Ball Committee 

Martin Ryan Harry F. Carbrey 

Frank W. Fames Mrs. Arthur H. Johnson 

Mrs. Moses Marshall Mrs. Frank W. Fames 

Sub-Committee 

Mr. and Mrs. R. E. Wadsworth Miss Alice C. Fames 
Miss Fva Chabot Miss Agnes A. Walker 

Harry F. Allen 

Newell's Orchestra of eight pieces furnished music for both 
reception and ball. 

WELCOME HOME PARADE 

Section I. 

The Selectmen — on Horseback. 

Fzra H. Bigelow — Allison I. Duplissis — Walter O. Brigham 

Public Safety Committee 

Decorated auto containing the following members of the 
committee: 

Fdwin S. Corey, William J. Potter, Walter B. Mayo, Rev. 
A. T. Ringold, and Rev. A. P. Van Dusen. 

Driver — Clarence Brault, a discharged sailor. 

Registration of American Manhood 

A two-horse float driven by Walker Russell. 

Harry F. Allen, Robert G. Brigham, Everett Mentzer, John 
McCabe, Clarence Garfield, Fred Kay, Willis E. Wheeler, John 
K. Mills, William O'Brien, Candido Spencer, Marcelino Roberto. 

G.A. R. 

Two autos driven by Norman B. Potter and Edward Logan. 

Guilford P. Heath, Orin M. Bailey, Daniel Sawyer, John F. 
Hart, William Watterson, John D. Holbrook, Bemis, Wil- 
liam H. Warren. 

Battery B Band of Twenty-five Pieces 

Returned Soldiers and Sailors 

There were about sixty returned soldiers and sailors, led by 
Capt. Frank E. Haskell. 



398 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Section II. 

Northborough Branch of the American Red Cross 

Miss Agnes A. Walker, marshal. Miss Louise Hatch, 
Miss Addie Jones, Miss Ruth Pollard, Miss Jessie Hedley, Mrs. 
Eva Whittaker, Miss Myra Lever, Miss Louise Hodgkins. 

Flag Squad 

Miss Ruth Russell, Mrs. Elizabeth Bigelow, Miss Louisa 
Eldridge, Miss Laura Chabot, Miss Irene Rogers, Miss Anne 
Lanois, Miss Mabel Rogers, Miss Victoria Van Horn, Miss 
Florence Felt, Miss Dorothy Corey, Miss Ruth LaPorte, Miss 
Gertrude Picard. 

Knitting Bag Squad 

Miss Edith DeArmond, Miss Helen Beck, Miss Hazel 
Schofield, Miss Jessie Gushing, Miss Miriam Parmenter, Miss 
Daisy Balcom, Miss Ayre, Miss Laura Leary, Mrs. Caroline 
Garfield, Miss Corinna Gauvin, Miss Sarah Nelson, Mrs. Bezie 
Mitchell, Miss Isabel Sawyer, Miss Lillian Guertin, Miss Edna 
Burgoyne. 

Red Cross Rest Room 

Mrs. John W. Kellette, Mrs. Walter Russell, Mrs. Carrie 
Lever, Mrs. Moses Marshall, Mrs. Fred Hadley, Mrs. Frank 
W. Fames, Mrs. Mary Wadsworth, Mrs. Elizabeth Bigelow, 
Mrs. Edwin S. Corey, Mrs. Clarence E. Buckley, Miss Olive 
Warren, Mrs. Henry W. Paul. 

Red Cross Float 

Representing a popular war poster, "The Greatest Mother 
in the World." Mrs. Sallie Proctor. 

William Smith, driver. 

Women's Relief Corps 

A two-horse float driven by George Chapdelaine, containing 
Miss Ada Harrington, Miss Olive Warren, Mrs. Henry G. 
Warren, Mrs. Howard Lincoln, Mrs. Howard Bailey, Mrs. 
Sarah Corey, Mrs. Edmund Lawrence, Mrs. William Horsford. 

Sons of Veterans 

Henry G. Warren, commander. George E. Proctor, Fred 
J. Proctor, Charles Proctor, George P. Walls, George H. Newton, 
Howard E. Bailey, Chester A. Smith, Tarbel P. Haskell, Joseph 
Ross, Arthur G. Corey. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 399 

American Fund for French Wounded 

Led by Mrs. Samuel T. Maynard as color bearer. Miss M. 
Evelyn Potter, Miss Charlotte Winsor, Miss Marie Barnes, 
Miss Ruth Holmes, Miss Louisa Coffin, Miss Helen Corey, Miss 
Ebba Juline, Mrs. Eva Freeze, Miss Kittle Burke, Miss Lizzie 
Scott, Miss Marion Richardson, Miss Elizabeth Green, Mrs. 
Sarah E. Emery, Miss Emma A. Barnes. 

Float 
Impersonating France, Miss Olive Johnson; A. F. F. W., 
Mrs. Andrew T. Ringold, Miss Abbie Small; French refugees. 
Miss Charlotte Jones, Thelma Spear, Leo Collard; French 
surgeon, Rodney Leland; wounded soldier, Lloyd Scribner; 
driver, John Garrity. 

Section HL 
(Floats representative of army departments) 
Army Depots 

(1) Noah Wadsworth's auto, driven by William L. Wads- 
worth. 

(2) Herman Peinze's auto driven by Roland Peinze. 

(3) Chabot & Duplissis, two-horse float driven by Hermon 
Sparrow. 

(4) Herbert L. Kimball's auto, driven by John Norton. 

(5) Albert Carr's auto driven by owner, accompanied by 
Herbert A. Whitcomb. 

Airplanes 

(1) R. E. Wadsworth & Co., auto, driven by Ralph E. 
Wadsworth and accompanied by Stanley Wadsworth. 

(2) Whittaker and Bacon's auto, driven by Harry Whittaker, 
accompanied by Albert Parthow. 

Photography 

Exhibit by William A. Crossley. Auto driven by Edward H. 
Smith, accompanied by Ruth Potter, Mrs. Victor Gauvin, Anna 
Miller, and Dorothy Russell. 

Air Messengers — Carrier Pigeons 

Exhibit by Charles Bigelow. Auto driven by Charles Bigelow. 

Repair and Construction 

Exhibit by Geo. E. Armour. Auto driven by J. Wilbur 
Warren, accompanied by George E. Armour and Joseph Muchard. 



400 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Army Amusements 

Represented by the Foresters and Independent Order of 
Companions. 

Two-horse float driven by Herbert Brigham. Harry Ells- 
worth, Mr. and Mrs. James Burke, Mrs. Alice Warren, Mrs. 
Mary Bouvier, Thomas L. White, Francis Gallagher, Mr. 
Carpenter, Noah Brady, George Brady. 

Truck driven by Thomas O'Brien. Katherine Walsh, 
Catherine Ellsworth, Alma Carbrey, Helen Carbrey, Gertrude 
Brady. 

Auto driven by George H. Felt. Occupants, John Dyer, 
F. S. Alexander, Lieut. Harold E. Nash, Francis Riley, Charles 
E. O'Donnell. 

Truck driven by Charles DeWolfe, accompanied by K. C. 
Serry, George McCrea. 

Auto driven by Lieut. Wm. Boswell. John Galvin, Peter 
Danckert, Alfred Collard. 

Canteen — Represented by the Churches 

Auto driven by Andrew Hardy. Occupants, Mrs. Frank H. 
Foster, Mrs. Woodcock, Mrs. Myron Stone, Miss Mabel Van 
Ornum, Miss Ella Trudeau, Howard Potter, Stanley Pond. 

Northborough Fire Department 
Hook and Ladder, Hose Carriage, Chemical Truck. 

Mail Service — Rural Delivery 
Auto driven by Ralph F. Fiske, accompanied by Mrs. 
Ralph F. Fiske and Chesterfield Fiske. 

Army Mess — Truck 

Medical Department 

Ambulance driven by George H. Tighe of Marlborough, 
accompanied by Dr. Mark P. Stanley and a little Red Cross dog. 

Auto float driven by Clarence Walker for Claude T. Shattuck, 
druggist. 

Section IV. 

Bond Sales — Represented by the Bank 

Two-horse float driven by Doris H. Lever. Occupants, 
Leota M. Leland, Leona V. Leland, Esther Bigelow, Pearl 
Bigelow, Mildred Felt. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 401 

Thrift Stamps — Represented by the Postofice 

Auto driven by Mary H. Ryan. Occupants, Dorothy Dodd, 
Olive Russell, Ethelyn Carbrey. 

A Hied War Fund Drive — Represented by W. C. T. U. 

Auto driven by Frederick Franklin. Occupants, George 
Irving Franklin, Doris Brazier, Catherine Burke, Florence Hatch, 
Edwin Lawrence, John O'Brien, Willard Pollard. 

Growth of Wool 

Auto driven by Everett Valentine. Occupants, live sheep 
and clipped fleece. 

Converting Wool into Supplies 

Two-horse float, showing machinery and first steps in manu- 
facturing. 

Taylor Manufacturing Co., truck driven by Leroy Jones. 
Accompanied by Morris Hagan, showing finished products. 

Agriculture — Represented by Northborough Grange 

Motto: "The Farmer Feeds them All." 

Uncle Sam, Harry L. Trimble; America, Viola Burso; Ceres, 
Goddess of Grains and Cereals, Mrs. Myrtle Chapdelaine; 
Pomona, Goddess of Fruits, Mrs. Margaret Brennan; Flora, 
Goddess of Flowers, Mrs. Helen A. Trimble; Farmerette, Debo- 
rah Hildreth; Junior Farmer and Farmerette, Master Ernest 
Phelps and Marion F. Buckley. Driver, Henry Bowie. 

Conservation of Food 

One-horse float representing fruits of victory, driven by Dowy 
Worden, overseas soldier from Boylston. Occupants, Caroline 
Lilly, Mary Bemis, Anna Carlson, Bessie Smith, Julia Holteen. 

Section V. 

Worcester City Brass Band in U. S. uniform. Twenty-five 
men and leader. 

Foresters, Carrying U. S. Flag {horizontally) 

Walter Gauvin, Frank Bertrand, Edmund LaPorte, Sey- 
mour LaPorte, George Gauvin, John Bruso, Frank Mosso, 
Hermis H. Derosier, Edward Woodward, Edward E. Sabourin, 
Daniel M. Ettinger, Joseph A. Gaucher. 



402 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Flags of Twenty-six Allied Nations 

Herbert Bruso, John W. Allen, Harry England, John Prest, 
John Rogers, Raymond Brady, Ubert Zeh, O. Elmer Eldridge, 
Edward Eldridge, Waldo Bemis, Ernest Blakely, Howard Bur- 
goyne, Frank W. Eames, Thurston Russell, Victor A. Seaton, 
Clarence E. Buckley, Chester Warren, Alexander McClintock, 
Ernest Moore, Arthur Gauvin, Francis Ferguson, Lyle Blakely, 
Arthur Bruso, Carrol Blakely, Clevis Stone. 

Section VI. 

Peace Conference — ''The Big 4" — Represented by the 

Northhorough Historical Society 

Limousine driven by Stanley Whittaker; Noah Wadsworth 
represented President Wilson; George F. Sargent represented 
Clemenceau, Premier of France; Charles W. Sibley represented 
Lloyd George, Premier of England; Frederick A. King repre- 
sented Orlando, Premier of Italy. 

The League of Nations — Represented by the 
Northborough Woman's Club 

Two-horse float, driven by Virginia Shutte. Occupants: 
Mrs. Harry Carbrey, represented Peace; Mrs. Edward Eldridge, 
America; Mrs. Elmer Valentine, England; Mrs. Arthur Johnson, 
France; Mrs. Fred Hadley, Italy; Miss Julia Coffin, Japan. 

Boy Scouts 

Under command of Walter Stone. Carried a banner with 
the motto, "The Boys of Today are the Men of Tomorrow." 
Richard Kimball, Roswell Pond, Everett Nelson, Edward 
Nelson, Albert Nelson, W'illiam Felt, Howard Foss, Frank Foss, 
Howard Shattuck, Joseph Smith, Bailey Brennan. 

School Children 

Boys and girls representing School Gardening, Junior 
Red Cross, with four mounted aids. Many children on an auto 
float. 

MORE WELCOMING BELLS 
June 18, 1919, Arthur Boucher returned from overseas. 
July 13, 1919, Frank Falby returned. 

July 19, 1919, Miss Flora B. Murray returned. She served 
as a Red Cross nurse in France and in Germany. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 403 

July 23, 1919, Sidney Walls returned. He did not return 
with the 26th Division in April, but spent four months at the 
University of Caen, in France. 

August 2, 1919, Arthur Bouvier returned. 

August 14, 1919, Esdras J. Trudeau returned. He is a U. S. 
Marine. Spent several months in France and Germany with the 
army of occupation. 

August 26, 1919, George W. Nelson returned. He belonged 
to the 26th Division. 

August 30, 1919, Henry P. Woodward returned. He is the 
last of the overseas boys to return. 

September 11, 1919, Harold Brigham returned. He is a 
U. S. Marine, and was stationed at Haiti for some time. 

October 24, 1919, Albert W. Mentzer returned. He is a 
U. S. Marine and was stationed at Haiti. 

October 29, 1919, Ernest Williams returned. He was in the 
navy. 

All the boys listed above were welcomed home by the ringing 
of the church bells and the tooting of the fire whistle. 



WELCOME HOME— SUPPLEMENTARY 

December 30, 1919, Tuesday. A supplementary Welcome Home 
service was held this evening, in honor of the soldiers who have 
arrived home since our celebration on June 17. A turkey 
dinner was given the boys at the Northborough Inn at six- 
thirty. After the dinner there was speaking by Ezra H. Bigelow, 
chairman of the Board of Selectmen, Dr. John L. Coffin, chair- 
man of the Public Safety Committee, and Rev. J. C. Kent, chair- 
man of the Correspondence Committee. 

The dinner over, we adjourned to the town hall where a 
public reception was held, from eight till nine o'clock; this in 
turn, was followed by a dance which lasted from nine till one 
o'clock. This service was held under the auspices of the Recep- 
tion Committee the same committee that had charge of the cele- 
bration on June 17, last. 

This reception constitutes the last chapter of Northborough's 
war record. 

Late in January, 1920, Bertrand L. Schofield returned. He 
was the last of the Northborough boys to return. 



404 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

NORTHBOROUGH MEN IN THE WORLD WAR, SEVENTY-SEVEN 

ENLISTMENTS 
Adams, Julius K., unmarried; son of Rufus and Nellie S; born 
in Northborough, Aug. 20, 1894; enlisted July 12, 1918, at 
Marlborough. Was sent to the Rhode Island State College at 
Kingston where he studied truck mechanics for ten weeks. 
Was made a Corporal, Oct. 28, 1918. Thence to Camp Colt at 
Gettysburg, Pa., one month; thence to Camp Mills, Long 
Island one week; embarked on the "Leviathan" for overseas, 
landing at Liverpool; thence by train to Southampton and boat 
to Cherbourg, France; thence to Longes, the tank center, where 
he remained until about Christmas; thence to Coblenz, Ger- 
many, where he remained until Feb. 17, 1919, when he left his 
outfit and went to the hospital. In hospital about six weeks. 
Returned to France, embarked on the "Kroonland" at St. 
Nazaire for Hoboken, arriving April 29, 1919; thence to Camp 
Devens at Ayer, Mass; in hospital again, one month. Dis- 
charged June 5, 1919. Rank, Corporal. 

Balcom, Irving S., unmarried; son of Norman J. and 
Dora L.; born in Northborough, Feb. 24, 1890; enlisted Nov. 
21, 1917, at Boston. Reported at Bumkin Island, Boston 
Harbor, Dec. 3; transferred to Boston Navy Yard, Jan. 4, 1918; 
transferred to Submarine Chaser No. 264, Jan. 14, 1918; fitted 
out Chaser, and sailed for coast running service ofT coast of 
Maine, Feb. 28, working from bases located at Jonesport and 
Eastport; called from Maine to hunt submarines that were 
sinking ships off Cape Cod, July 4; put into New London to be 
fitted out for foreign service, Sept. 28; sailed from New London, 
Oct. 24, arriving at Bermuda Oct. 28 (reason of delay, heavy 
storm) ; left Bermuda Oct. 30, arriving at the Azores, Jan. 4, 1919, 
and arrived at St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Jan. 19; thence to 
San Domingo, Haiti, arriving Feb. 6; thence to Guantanamo 
Bay, Cuba, arriving March 1 ; thence to New Orleans, arriving 
April 30; transferred ashore for transfer to Boston, June 3; dis- 
charged June 23, 1919. Rank, Quartermaster, First Class, Navy. 

Bemis, Elmer T., unmarried; son of Elwyn H. and Martha 
A.; born in Northborough, Dec. 7, 1894; enlisted Dec. 7, 1917, 
at Fort Slocum, N. Y.; thence to San Antonio, Texas, arriving 
Dec. 17 ; was assigned to the Flying Service, 681st Aero Squadron, 
1st Co. 'Concentration Brigade; served in that capacity until 
Jan. 23, 1919, when he left Kelley Field for Camp Devens, Ayer, 
Mass., where he was discharged Jan. 30, 1919; was in hospital 
most of the time. Rank, Private. 

Blakely, Ernest C, unmarried; son of Daniel and Lexandie; 
born in Northborough, Nov. 15, 1897; enlisted July 12, 1916, in 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 405 

Co. I, 5th Mass. Infantry (an Attleboro Co.); was in service 
on the Mexican Border from July 15 to Oct. 31, 1916; was still 
a member of the 5th Mass. when war was declared, April, 1917; 
was called out July 25, 1917; the State Militia was taken over by 
the U. S. Army same day; reported at headquarters of his Co. 
at Attleboro where he remained about two weeks; thence to 
Camp McGinniss, Framingham; here, the 5th and 9th Mass. 
regiments were combined, forming the 101st Regt. U. S. Army; 
remained until Sept. 6; thence to Hoboken, N. J where he 
embarked on the "Pastores" Sept. 7, for France; arrived at St. 
Nazaire, Sept. 21; was in camp about ten days; thence to Neuf- 
chateau where he was in training until Feb. 6, 1918; thence to 
the fighting line; was in action as follows: Chemin des Dames, 
Feb. 7 to March 19, 1918; Toul Sector, April 1 to June 26; 
Soissons-Chateau-Thierry Sector; Vaux Defensive, July 8 to 
July 18; Vaux Offensive, July 15; Ainse-Marne Offensive, July 
18 to July 25; St. Mihiel Offensive, July; St. Mihiel Sector, 
Sept. 15 to Sept. 23; Verdun Sector, Oct. 10 to Oct. 23; Meuse- 
Argonne Offensive, Oct. 23 to Nov. 11, 1918. Was gassed 
May 31, 1918; was at the front lines when the Armistice was 
signed, Nov. 11. Began hike of eleven days to Millieres, Nov. 13; 
remained about two months; thence to Le Mans; embarked on 
the "America" for home, at Brest, arriving at Boston, April 5, 1919; 
thence to Camp Devens, Ayer, Mass.; discharged April 28, 1919; 
26th or Yankee Division. Rank, Corporal, from July 25, 1917. 
BoDREAu, Francis P., unmarried; son of Peter and Rosanna; 
born in West Warren, Mass., Sept. 26, 1897; enlisted Aug. 15, 

1918, at Worcester; Coast Artillery; went to Fort Slocum, N. Y., 
where he remained about three weeks; thence to Fort Hamilton, 
Brooklyn, where he was transferred to the 49th Batt., 6th 
Anti-aircraft Sector; thence to Camp Mills, Long Island; 
embarked on the ship "Plassey" at Hoboken, Sept. 25; arrived 
at Liverpool Oct. 9 ; thence to Southampton ; thence to Le Havre, 
France; thence to Fort de-Stain, Anti-aircraft training school; 
remained there until the Armistice was signed (Nov. 11); thence 
to Brest; left Brest Dec. 29 for home landing at New York, 
Jan. 10, 1919; thence to Camp Merritt, N. J.; thence to Fort 
Wadsworth, Staten Island, where he was discharged Feb. 2, 

1919. Rank, Private. 

Boucher, Arthur J., married; son of Eugene and Dora; 
born in Marlborough, Mass., July 10, 1893; enlisted at Marl- 
borough, Oct. 4, 1917; Artillery; assigned first to Ammunition 
Train; transferred to Supply Train then to Automobile School; 
then to Engineers Depot Replacement; then to 132nd Engineers; 
then to 116th Ammunition Train; went first to Camp Devens, at 



406 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Ayer, Mass. ; embarked on ship "Ajana," July 12, 1918, landing at 
Liverpool; thence to France; returning, embarked at St. Nazaire, 
arriving at Newport News, June 9, 1919; thence to Camp Lee, 
Va., where he was discharged June 17, 1919. Rank, Private. 
76th Division. 

BouviER, Arthur H., married; son of Charles and Mary; 
born in Northborough, Feb. 22, 1893; enlisted Sept. 18, 1917, at 
Marlborough; went to Camp Devens where he remained about 
three weeks; thence to Camp Gordon, Atlanta, Ga.; remained 
seven months; while there he was assigned to C. Batt., 320th 
Artillery; then to Camp Mills, N. Y.; embarked at Hoboken 
on the ship "Camelia," landing at Liverpool about June 25, 1918; 
then to France via Southampton landing at Havre; then to 
Camp at La Coutine, remaining several months; then to St. 
Aigan; here he was annexed to the Provisional Cook Co.; then 
to Marseilles for embarkation, but there not being room on the 
"President Wilson" (the last boat to sail from that port) for 
his unit, he went to Brest where he embarked on the U. S. 
Battleship "Missouri," July 15, 1919; landed at Newport News, 
Va., July 26; thence to Camp Devens where he was discharged 
July, 1919. Rank Private. 82nd Division. 

Brigham, Charles C, unmarried; son of Walter O. and 
Alice L.; born in Northborough, Aug. 16, 1898; was a student 
at the Springfield, Mass., Y. M. C. A. College; was recom- 
mended by the President of the College to receive training that 
he might become an instructor in the College in the fall of 1918; 
enlisted July 28, 1918; was sent to Plattsburg Barracks for 
instruction; while there was commissioned 2nd Lieut, in the 
U. S. Army; on Sept. 20, reported for duty at first station. 
Student's Army Training Corps at Long Island College Hospital, 
Brooklyn, N. Y.; remained there until unit was disbanded Nov. 
8, 1918; received special orders to report without delay at 
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at Troy, N. Y., Nov. 11; was 
instructor there until the Student's Army Training Corps was dis- 
banded, Dec. 18; was discharged Dec. 23, 1918. Rank, 2nd Lieut. 
Brigham, Harold M., unmarried; son of Walter O. and 
Alice L.; born in Northborough, April 6, 1900; was a student 
at the High School of Commerce in \\"orcester, Mass.; applied 
for enlistment at Worcester, Aug. 7, 1918; was examined in 
Boston; enlisted at Paris Island, S. C, Aug. 21, 1918; remained 
nearly three months; thence to Naval Training Station at Great 
Lakes, 111., for purpose of studying aerial gunnery; thence to 
Miami, Florida, where he was attached to Platoon G, Aviation 
Force; thence to Port au Prince, Haiti, where he remained until 
Aug. 24, 1919, when he was transported to Philadelphia Naval 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 407 

Station, where he was discharged Sept. 10, 1919. Marine 
Corps, unattached. Rank, Private. 

Bristol, Carroll L., unmarried; son of Rev. Frank L. and 
Annie; born in Uxbridge, Mass., Oct. 21, 1895; enhsted May 18, 

1917, at Fort Strong, Boston; Batt. B, 51st Artillery (Coast 
Artillery); embarked for overseas Aug. 14, 1917; landed in 
England Sept. 2; landed in France Sept. 16, 1917; was in camp at 
Mailley, six months; went to front April 2, 1918; remained at front 
until Armistice was signed (Nov. 11) ; was in the famous St. Mihiel 
Drive. Discharged, Feb. 14, 1919. Rank, First Class Private, 

Buchanan, James J., unmarried; son of James J. and 
Margaret; born in Providence, R. I., April 5, 1895; enlisted 
June 30, 1916 in Co. F, 6th Mass. Militia; mustered into United 
States service April 6, 1917, at Westfield, Mass., on which date 
the 6th Mass., 2nd Mass., and part of the 8th Mass. regiments 
were taken over and combined into the 104th Regt. U. S. Army; 
entrained at Westfield for Montreal Sept. 25, 1917; embarked 
for Halifax within four hours; remained at Halifax one week, 
waiting for a convoy; embarked on British Ship "Corsican" 
Oct. 2, 1917; arrived at Liverpool, Oct. 25; thence to Camp 
Borden, where he remained one week; thence to Southampton; 
thence across the channel in the "Archangel," arriving at Le 
Havre ; thence to training camp at Pompierre where he remained 
from Oct. 1917, to Feb. 1918; thence to the battlefront. Was 
in battle, Chemin des Dames; was in Toul Sector from April 4 to 
about July 1; Chateau-Thierry, July 4; went into the reserves 
to July 28; went "over the top" July 18; Verdun Sector from 
Oct. till after the Armistice was signed. Started Nov. 15, 1918, 
on a five-day hike to Montigney-le-Roi; left his Division in Dec. 

1918, for police duty; went to Meuse where he entrained for 
Luneville; was in a detachment that was sent to Troyes; thence 
to Luneville; thence to Strasburg; remained in Strasburg about 
three months; called back to Luneville where his company was 
reformed; thence to Le Mans where he remained one week; 
thence to Brest; left Brest May 27 on the "Freedom," landing 
at Newport News about June 9, 1919; thence to Camp Devens 
where he was discharged June 21, 1919. Rank, First Class 
Private. 26th Division. 

BuRBANK, Harold R., unmarried; son of Francis H. and 
Catherine J.; born in Northborough, Dec. 16, 1893; enlisted at 
Worcester, May 12, 1917; Batt. E, 102nd Field Artillery; went to 
Paxton, remaining five days; thence to Boxford, Mass., remain- 
ing from July 30 to Sept. 22, 1917; thence to New York, where he 
embarked on the "Finland," Sept. 24 for overseas; arrived at 
St. Nazaire, France, Oct. 5, and remained there ten days; thence 



408 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

to Camp Coetquidan where he remained until Jan. 30, 1918; 
entrained for Soissons (Chemin des Dames Sector) ; took position 
in line Feb. 6, 1918; left that Sector March 20, arriving at 
Toul April 4; left Toul June 29 for Chateau-Thierry, arriving 
July 4; left Chateau-Thierry Aug. 5, for Chalon, where he 
rested ten days; thence to St. Mihiel, arriving Sept. 8; took part 
in that famous drive; left St. Mihiel Oct. 11, arriving at Verdun 
Oct. 14; was at Verdun when the Armistice was signed; left 
Verdun Nov. 16, and after resting in several places throughout 
the winter finally arrived at the Le Mans area; left there for 
Brest March 29, 1919; left Brest April 1 and arrived at Boston 
April 10, went at once to Camp Devens, where he was dis- 
charged April 29, 1919. Rank, Cook. 26th Division. 

BuRGOVNE, George Herbert, unmarried; son of George H. 
and Elizabeth M., born in Northborough May 28, 1898; enlisted 
at Boston, Aug. 31, 1918, in the Merchant Marine; went first to 
East Boston; was transferred to Norfolk, Va., about the end of 
Oct.; remained there until Dec. 19, 1918; came home on short 
furlough; was discharged from the Merchant Marine service 
Dec. 23, 1918, and enlisted in the regular Navy, same day. 
Rank, Seaman. Rank in Navy, Machinist's Mate. 

Caldwell, Albert J., unmarried; son of Walter A. and 
Susan K.; born in Beverly, Mass., Jan. 21, 1897; enlisted in 
the Na\y, served on the "South Haven," "Birmingham," in 
the Atlantic home service, and on a battleship in the Pacific 
home service; released. 

Caldwell, Frederick W., unmarried; son of Walter A. and 
Susan K.; born in Beverly, Mass., Oct. 12, 1885; enlisted Dec. 
16, 1918, in the Merchant Marine; discharged March 25, 1919. 
Boston service-yeoman. Engineer Dept. 

Carlson, Walter M., unmarried; son of Samuel H. and 
Blenda; born in Holliston, Mass., April 26, 1899; was a student 
in the Massachusetts Agricultural College, entering in the fall 
of 1917; enlisted Oct. 1, 1918, in the S. A.T. C. (Student's Army 
Training Corps), at Amherst, Mass.; discharged Dec. 11, 1918. 

Carney, John Vincent, unmarried; son of Peter J. and 
Catherine; born in Northborough, April 7, 1892; enlisted at Wor- 
cester, May 26, 1917, in Co. G, 9th Mass., Infantry; went to 
Camp McGinniss, Framingham; while there, the 9th and 5th 
Mass., regiments were absorbed into 101st regt., U. S. Army; 
left Framingham, Sept. 6, 1917, for Hoboken where he embarked 
on the "Henry B. Mallory" for overseas; landed at St. Nazaire, 
France, Sept. 20, remaining six days; thence to Neufchateau 
remaining until Jan. 30, 1918; thence to Chemin des Dames 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 409 

Sector where he remained from Feb. 7 to March 21; thence to 
the Toul Sector, April 2, remaining until June 28; was in the 
Battle of Seicheprey, Fleurry, occupation of the Aisne-Marne 
Sector July 6 to July 18, Battle of Vaux, Aisne-Marne Offensive 
July 18 to Aug. 6, 1918, St. Mihiel Offensive Sept._ 12 to 15, 
Occupation of Troyon Sector Sept. 16 to Oct. 8, with raid on 
Bois de-Warville, Oct. 2; Meuse-Argonne Offensive Oct. 15 to 23; 
was severely wounded in the right shoulder in Belleau Wood 
Oct. 23 ; was cited for bravery Oct. 2 ; in Base Hospital No. 50 
until Jan. 28, 1919 when he returned to his outfit which was 
then at Millieres; then to the Le Mans Sector, remaining until 
March 22, 1919; thence to Brest; embarked at Brest March 28, 
on the "America" and arrived at Boston April 5, thence to Camp 
Devens where he was discharged April 28, 1919. Rank, Cor- 
poral. 26th Division. 

Chabot, "Walter F., unmarried; son of Joseph W. and Sadie; 
born in Northborough, Oct. 1, 1892; enlisted in the U. S. Navy, 
at Charlestown Navy Yard, June 1, 1918; went to Hingham train- 
ing camp; remained six months; transferred to the Commissary 
School at the Receiving Ship at Commonwealth Pier, South 
Boston; made the rating of Commissary Steward; returned to 
Receiving Ship at Charlestown Navy Yard; then was trans- 
ferred to revenue cutter "Oppington," remaining three weeks; 
then back to Receiving Ship at Boston, where he was released 
Jan. 27, 1919. Rank, First Class Cook. Chief Petty Officer. 

Coffin, Holland, unmarried; son of Dr. John L. and Annie 
W.; born in West Medford, Mass., March 25, 1890; enlisted at 
Boston, Aug. 30, 1917, in the Medical Department; went first to 
Fort Ethan Allen, Vt., where he remained from Sept. 1 to 
Nov. 21, 1917; thence to Camp Merritt, N. J., remaining from 
Nov. 22 to Dec. 17; while there he was assigned to U. S. Base 
Hospital No. 66 (located at Neufchateau, France); embarked 
at Hoboken for Glasgow, arriving Dec. 31; thence to Winchester, 
England, where he remained until Jan. 10, 1918; thence to 
Havre, via Southampton, arriving Jan. 11; thence to Neuf- 
chateau; thence to Gondrecourt, remaining from Jan. 15 to Jan. 
25; returned to Neufchateau where he remained from Jan. 
25, 1918 to Jan. 11, 1919; arrived at St. Nazaire Jan. 16; left 
St. Nazaire Jan. 30, landing at Newport News, Va.: thence to 
Camp Devens where he was discharged Feb. 27, 1919. Rank, 
Sergeant. 

Crooker, Maurice N., unmarried; son of Alvah W. and 
Etta L.; born in Shrewsbury, Mass., Feb. 9, 1918; was sent to 
Wentworth Institute, Boston, remaining from May 1 to July 1, 
taking courses in military training and sheet metal working; 



410 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

thence to Edgeworth Arsenal, Edgeworth, Md., (where the 
Government manufactured poison gas and filled incandescent 
bombs); transferred to Camp Devens Dec. 21, where he was 
discharged, Dec. 23, 1918. Chemical Warfare Service. Rank, 
First Class Private. 

Danckert, John J., unmarried; son of Daniel and Mary; 
born in Northborough, Dec. 23, 1897; enlisted at Boston, Aug. 
17, 1918, in U. S. Marine Corps; went to Paris Island, S. C, where 
he was attached to the 349th Co., and on Oct. 23, was put 
into the 9th Replacement Batt.; left that day for Quantico, Va., 
where he was discharged Jan. 14, 1919. Rank, Private. 

Day, Howard F., unmarried; son of James F. H. and Cora 
B.; born in Shrewsbury, Mass., Oct. 20, 1893; enlisted April 27, 
1918, at Marlborough; went to Camp Devens; left July 3, 1918 
for overseas, landing at Bordeaux; was in hospital most of the 
time; embarked for home, Dec. 25, 1918; then to Camp Mills; 
thence to Camp Upton where he was discharged Jan. 15, 1919. 
Was attached to Co. L, 302nd Regt. 76th Division. Rank, 
Private. 

DeArmond, Roy W., unmarried; son of John W. and 
Elizabeth ; born in Westborough, Mass., Jan. 15, 1892; enlisted at 
Marlborough, April 22, 1918; went to Camp Devens; assigned to 
Ammunition Train; left Camp Devens July 12 for Montreal; 
embarked on the "Ajana" for overseas; landed at Liverpool, 
July 31 ; thence to Winchester; thence to Southampton, where he 
embarked for France, landing at Cherbourg; thence to Bordeaux; 
thence to St. Amand; thence to Ange where he remained until 
Feb. 2, 1919; thence to Mulkein, Germany, remaining in that 
district until May 21; embarked at St. Nazaire June 3, arriving 
at Brooklyn, N. Y., June 15; thence to Camp Mills; thence to 
Camp Devens where he was discharged June 23, 1919. Rank, 
Private. Was attached to Ammunition Train and to Co. B, 
315th Engineers. 76th Division. 

Derosier, Philias Cecil, unmarried; son of Arthur and 
Matilda; born in Northborough, Nov. 8, 1897; recruited at 
W'orcester, Aug. 7, 1918, in 38th Headquarters Co., Coast 
Artillery; went to Fort Slocum, N. Y., mustered into service 
Aug. 15; remained there until Sept. 12; thence to Fort Hamilton, 
N. Y., remaining until Oct. 14; thence to Camp Eustace, Va.; 
thence to Camp Stuart; returned to Fort Hamilton, Nov. 20, 
where he was discharged Dec. 10, 1918. Rank, Private. 

Eldridge, Howard St. George, unmarried; son of Frederick 
G. and Alice; born in Brighton, England, May 6, 1880; enlisted 
March 12, 1917 in Naval Reserve, at Boston; was assigned to 
the U. S. S. "Actus," remaining ten days; thence to U. S. S. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 411 

"Shada"; on this boat went to Bay of Fundy looking for sub- 
marine bases; remained on "Shada" until Aug. 1917; passed 
examination for Ensign but was rejected on account of heart; 
appointed Chief Boatswain's Mate; then assigned to the U. S S, 
"Cossack" on which boat he did dispatch and patrol duty in 
Massachusetts Bay until Feb., 1919; took command of the boat 
"Warbug," doing dispatch and patrol duty; while on this boat 
he received his warrant as Boatswain, Aug. 19; in Oct. 1918, 
received orders to proceed to Brest, but while waiting at N. Y. 
the Armistice was signed; thence to Key West, Florida; when 
he left Key West was in charge of all the S. P. Boats in the 7th 
Naval District as Fleet Commander; thence to Savannah; was 
put on inactive duty, April 7, 1919. Rank, Boatswain. 

Fontaine, Arthur, married; son of Louis and Philomen; 
born in Worcester, Mass., Nov. 9, 1896; enlisted Aug. 26, 1918, at 
Marlborough, in 2nd Batt. Field Artillery R. R.; went first to 
Camp Jackson, S. C; thence to Newport News where he em- 
barked for overseas, Oct. 28, 1918; landed at Brest Nov. 9, and 
remained there one week; thence to Camp Hunt at Le Courneau; 
thence to Camp Desouge where he remained eight weeks ; thence 
to camp at Genecart ; thence to Paul iac ; returned to Camp Desouge 
(on account of measles) ; remained fourteen days, then back to 
embarkation camp at Genecart; sailed May 8, 1919, and arrived 
at Newport News May 20; thence to Camp Devens where he 
was discharged May 29, 1919. Replacement troops with per- 
mission to wear insignia of 41st Division. Rank, Private. 

Gauvin, George F., unmarried; son of Joseph and Mary; 
born in Northborough, Feb. 29, 1896; enlisted July 23, 1918, at 
Marlborough; went to Camp Devens; assigned first to 151st 
Depot Brigade, later transferred to Co. E, 73rd Regt. Dis- 
charged Jan. 17, 1919. Rank, Private. 

Gilbert, Amory T., unmarried; son of William F. and Sarah 
L.; born in Northborough, April 28, 1900; enlisted at Boston in 
the Merchant Marine, Aug. 20, 1918; was assigned to the 
"Meade"; transferred to the "Governor Dingley," Aug. 21 ; made 
several trips to Maine; transferred back to the "Meade," Sept 
30; Oct. 16, was shipped to New Bedford where he was assigned 
to the "Wallaston"; remained there three weeks for repairs, then 
to Fore River, Quincy, for further repairs; released Nov. 9, 1918. 
Discharged June 18, 1919. Rank, Boatswain's Mate. 

Gilbert, Francis P., unmarried; son of William F. and 
Sarah L.; born in Barre, Mass., Aug. 3, 1897; enlisted at 
Worcester, May 11, 1918, Signal Corps, Co. A, 309th Regt.; went 
first to Fort Slocum, N. Y., where he remained about ten days; 
thence to College Park Radio School, Maryland; July 23, left 



412 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

for Camp Sherman, Chilicothe, Ohio; thence to Camp Mills, 
Long Island, Aug. 24; embarked for overseas Sept. 9, and 
arrived at Glasgow Sept. 21; thence to Winchester; thence to 
Southampton; thence to Cherbourg, France; thence to Neuvic, 
where he remained until Oct. 13; thence to Commercy; thence to 
Chaumont, Gen. Pershing's headquarters; remained there until 
Nov. 23; thence to Chorcheverany, where he remained until 
Feb. 14, 1919; thence to Cubzac Deponts; left there April 17, 
for embarkation camp at Genecart; sailed April 21 on "H. R. 
Mallory"; arrived at Hoboken May 1, 1919; thence to Camp 
Mills, Long Island, where he was discharged May 14, 1919. 
Rank, Sergeant. 

GuERTiN, Louis H., unmarried; son of George A. and Mena; 
born in Shrewsbury, Mass., Aug. 5, 1896; enlisted at Marlborough, 
Sept. 3, 1918; went to Camp Devens where he was assigned to 
4th Co., 1st Batt. Depot Brigade. Discharged Dec. 11, 1918. 
Rank, Private. 

Harrington, Clarence W., unmarried; son of Charles S. 
and Lillian; born in Northborough, Dec. 26, 1896; enlisted Sept 2, 
1918 at Camp Devens; remained at Camp Devens about one 
month, when he was assigned to Coast Artillery, Batt. B, 33rd 
Regt. ; thence to Fort Andrews, Boston ; thence to Fort Strong, 
Boston; thence to Camp Eustace, Richmond, Va., where he was 
discharged Dec. 23, 1918. Rank, First Class Private. 

Haskell, Frank E., unmarried; son of Tarbell P. and Mattie 
M.; born in Worcester, May 17, 1893; enlisted in United States 
Regular Army, June 5, 1917; commissioned 2nd Lieut., June 5, 
1917; 1st Lieut., Aug. 27, 1917; Captain, March 27, 1918; went 
first to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, July 15, 1917, where he was 
attached to the 3rd Provisional Officers' Battalion; remained 
there until Sept. 22; thence to Eagle Pass, Texas, where he was 
attached to Co. H, 3rd Infantry; he left there Dec. 1, and reported 
to the 13th Machine Gun Batt., at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, 
which was assigned to the 5th Division; organized Co. B. which 
he commanded from Dec. 3 to Dec. 9, 1917, and from Feb. 22, 
1918, to May 4, 1918; left San Antonio for overseas April 5, 1918, 
embarking at New York on the "Philadelphia," April 16; landed 
at Liverpool April 28; thence to Winchester, same day; left 
Winchester for Southampton, April 30; crossed the Channel on 
the "Prince George" and landed at Le Havre, May 1; thence to 
training ground at Fontaine-sur-Aube; remained in training until 
June 1 ; from June 1 to 29 attended Second Corps School at 
Chatillon-sur-Leine; arrived at Gerardner in Alsace, headquarters 
of 5th Division, July 1; joined Battalion at Lanoline same day; 
remained in the line in this Sector till July 7, 1918; moved with 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 413 

half of Co. B to Camp Nicholas, same Sector; remained there until 
Tulv 15 when he moved to new Division headquarters at bt. Uie; 
in the line at Chapelle St. Marie July 20 to 22; transferred to 
Machine Gun Batt., July 21; attached to Co C 15 h Machme 
Gun Batt., July 23; was with Co. C. until July 31; returned 
to Batt. headquarters at St. Die on special duty Aug^l to Aug 5 ; 
from Aug. 5 to Aug. 19 commanded Co. A., 15th Batt m the 
line; from Aug. 19 to Oct. 2 was in command of Co. D, 15th 
Batt in the line; thence to Uriemenil; thence to Blamville m 
Lorraine; thence to St. Jean; thence to Orches; relieved from 
organization on order from the War Dept. Oct. 2 and started 
for home; left Brest on the "Leviathan" Oct. 9, and arrived m 
New York, Oct. 16; thence to Camp Hancock in Georgia; 
appointed Assist. Adj. of the Machine Gun School Dec. 5, 1918, 
which position he held till April 9, 1919; examined for permanent 
commission (Jan., 1919); commissioned as permanent 1st Lieut. 
Inf Feb 8 1919; thence to Machine Gun at Camp Benning, Ua., 
April 2; appointed Assist. Camp Adjutant April 9, 1919; granted 
a fourteen days' leave in order that he might return home to 
marshal the "Welcome Home Celebration June 17, 1919. 
Hughes, Emile J., married. 

Irvine, Arthur E., unmarried; son of Joseph and Bertha. 
Tones, Lindsey L., unmarried; son of Arthur H. and Mary 
T -born in Leominster, Mass., Dec. 26, 1889; enlisted at Syra- 
cuse N. Y., in regular army, July 4, 1917; attached to Machine 
Gun Batt., Co. D, 5th regt. in August; remained at Syracuse 
about ten weeks; thence to New York City where he embarked 
for Halifax; remained over night; next day embarked tor over- 
seas, arriving at Liverpool; thence to Southampton; thence to 
Le Havre; thence to Gondrecourt; thence to Haute-Marne; 
went to trenches at St. Mihiel about April 1, 1918; thence to 
region around Chateau-Thierry where he remained during the 
month of June; was wounded July 2, 1918, in above-mentioned 
region; was taken to Evacuation Hospital No. 7; thence to Base 
Hospital No. 3, where he remained until Nov. 1 ; thence to 
Blois, a replacement Camp; was put into Prisoner of War Escort 
Co 117, near Tours; left there about the middle of Jan., 1919, tor 
St. Aignon (a camp); then was put into Casual Co. No. 974; 
thence to Brest; embarked for home, on battleship Nebraska, 
arriving at Boston, March 10, 1919; thence to Camp Devens, 
where he was discharged March 17, 1919. Rank, Private. 
2nd Division. 

Kellev, Walter P., unmarried; son of Michael J. and Mary; 
E.;born in Medford, Mass., June 23, 1899; enlisted in Merchant 
Marine service at Boston, Aug. 20, 1918; assigned to the S. b. 



414 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"Meade," U.S. Army Transport; was transferred to the "Governor 
Dingley," Aug. 21; made several trips to Maine; thence to 
Norfolk, Va., arriving Oct. 9; was transferred, Oct. 10, to United 
States Shipping Board ship, "President"; was transferred to 
coastwise coal boat "Lake Licking," Oct. 17, serving as ordinary 
seaman; made several trips back and forth, and left the boat at 
Boston, Nov. 5, 1918; discharged. Rank, Seaman. 

Kimball, Harlan W., unmarried; son of Herbert L. and 
Blanche E.; born in Newark, N. J., Nov. 14, 1900; was a student 
at Tufts College; enlisted in the Student Army Training Corps, 
Sept. 24, 1918; remained in that Corps until the signing of the 
Armistice, Nov. 11, when the Corps was disbanded; discharged, 
Nov. 18, 1918. Rank, Private. 

Kimball, Hosmer R., unmarried; son of Herbert L. and 
Blanche E.; born in Jersey City, N. J., Sept. 19, 1898; enlisted 
at Plattsburg, N.Y., July 31, 1918, in the Officers' Training Corps; 
was commissioned 2nd Lieut. Sept 18; was sent to Massachusetts 
Institute of Technology at Cambridge, as an instructor and 
Company Commander; remained there until he was discharged, 
Jan. 25, 1919. Rank, 2nd Lieut. 

Lanois, Esdras J., unmarried; son of Adam P. and Elizabeth; 
born in Northborough, Oct. 13, 1890; was a physician; enlisted 
in the Medical Corps of the United States Navy, May 3, 1917; 
was commissioned 2nd Lieut, same day; was stationed at Naval 
Hospital at Chelsea, Mass., from May 3, to Aug. 7, 1917; was 
transferred to Naval Hospital at Portsmouth, N. H., where he 
remained from Aug. 7, 1917 to July 18, 1918; from July 18 till 
Oct. 12, 1918, was on the United States Ship "Madawaska"; 
and from Oct. 12, 1918 to July 4, 1919, was on the U. S. S. 
"Mercury" ; both of these ships were transports engaged in trans- 
porting troops overseas; and both were German ships interned in 
American ports during the war and were taken over by our 
Government when the United States entered the war; up to 
July 4, 1919, Lanois had made nine trips each way; he is still 
in service (July 4, 1919). Rank, 2nd Lieut. 

Leary, Francis, unmarried; son of John P. and Henrietta; 
born in Millbury Mass., Sept. 15, 1891; enlisted at Worcester 
in the Medical Corps, June 14, 1917; went first to Fort Ethan 
Allen, Vermont, where he remained two months; thence to Fort 
McHenry, Baltimore, where he remained until Aug. 1, 1918; 
was transferred to Field Artillery (Machine Gun Outfit) and sent 
to Camp Jackson in S. C; thence to Camp Devens, Jan. 3, 1919, 
where he was discharged Jan. 10, 1919. Rank, Private. 

Leary, Frederick, unmarried; son of John P. and Henrietta. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 415 

Was a twin brother to Francis, and both managed to keep 
together during their whole term of enUstment. Rank, Private. 

LiLLEY, Frank S., unmarried ; son of Charles E. and Emma N. ; 
born in Patten, Maine, Aug. 13, 1897; enlisted at Marlborough, 
Mass., Sept. 7, 1918; was sent to Wentworth Institute, Boston, 
Sept. 9, where he remained until Oct. 28; thence to Camp 
Amatol, N. J., where he remained until Jan. 27, 1919; thence to 
Delaware General Ordnance Depot at Pedricktown, N. J., where 
he was discharged March 31, 1919. Rank, Private. 

Lucius, Dewey R., unmarried; son of Andrew and Julia; 
born in Templeton, Mass., March 6, 1897; enlisted at Marl- 
borough, Mass., Sept. 19, 1918; was sent to University of Ver- 
mont to study auto mechanics; remained there until he was 
discharged, Dec. 7, 1918. Rank, Private. 

Lucius, Edward A., married; son of Andrew and Julia; 
born in Peterboro, N. H., Aug. 7, 1888; enlisted at Marlborough, 
Oct. 18, 1918; went to Fort Slocum, N. Y., where he remained 
until he was discharged, Dec. 11, 1918. Rank, Private. 

Mackey, Timothy J., unmarried; son of William and Ellen; 
born in Worcester, Oct. 1 1 , 1889 ; enlisted in regular army in 1911; 
Cavalry, 6th Regt.; was in the expedition to Vera Cruz in 1914; 
re-enlisted in regular army June 25, 1916, at Worcester; went 
first to Fort Slocum, N. Y. ; thence to Fort Ethan Allen, Vermont; 
attached to 2nd Cavalry; remained six months; transferred to 
the Recruiting Service, stationed at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., 
remaining one year, ten months; transferred to Infantry Re- 
placement Troops at Camp Lee, Va., Sept. 1, 1918; thence to 
Camp McClellan, Alabama; thence back to Fort Slocum; made 
Sergeant in 1917. 

Maynard, Edward B., unmarried; son of Prof. Samuel T. 
and Amy B.; born in Amherst, Mass., May 29, 1898; enlisted in 
the Students' Army Training Corps while a student at the 
Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Oct. 10, 1918; continued his 
connection with that Corps until it was disbanded, soon after 
the Armistice was signed. Discharged Dec. 31, 1918. Rank, 
Sergeant, from Nov. 1, 1918. 

Mentzer, Albert W., unmarried; son of Thornton E. and 
Mary E.; born in Boylston, Mass., Oct. 31, 1890; enlisted at 
Boston in the U. S. Marine Corps, June 4, 1918; went first to 
Paris Island, S. C; mustered into service June 13; remained there 
until July 8; thence to Charleston, S. C; embarked for Haiti, 
July 12; arrived there July 26; remained there until Feb. 20, 
1919; thence to the town of Hinche, where he did guard duty; 



416 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

thence to San Michiel, remaining two weeks; called back to 
Hinche, where he helped to quell an insurrection; was in hospital 
from June 20 till July 8, 1919; on duty at Cape until Oct. 30, 
when he started for home; landed at Charleston, S. C, Oct. 17, 
where he was discharged Oct. 20, 1919. Rank, Private. 

Miller, Elliot J., unmarried; son of Eli and Fanny; born in 
Shrewsbury, Mass., Jan. 9, 1902; enlisted in Co. F, 6th Mass. 
Infantry, May 27, 1917; was transferred to Co. B, 104th Inf., 
26th Division (the 6th Mass. was taken over by the U. S. and 
became part of the 104th) ; went to Camp Bartlett at Westfield, 
Mass. ; while at Westfield he was transferred from the 26th 
Division to Supply Co. 39th, 4th Division; remained at Westfield 
four months; thence to Camp Wadsworth, S. C, where he was 
transferred to Co. D, 17th Machine Gun Batt., 6th Division; 
remained about six months; transferred to the 4th Casuals at 
Camp McClelland, Alabama; thence to Camp Devens, where 
he was discharged March 26, 1919. Rank, Private. 

Miller, Frank W., unmarried; son of Alexander and Margaret; 
born in Northborough, Feb. 21, 1885; enlisted at Framingham, 
June 25, 1916, in Co. I, 5th Infantry; his regiment was called 
out soon after our country entered the war and went into 
camp at Framingham, Mass.; while there the 5th and 9th Mass. 
regiments were taken over and merged into the 101st U. S. 
Inf.; thence to Hoboken where he embarked on the "Pastores" 
for overseas. Sept 7; landed at St. Nazaire, Sept. 21, 1917; 
thence to the Neufchateau area where he remained in training 
four months; thence to the front; Aisne, Chemin des Dames 
from Feb. 7 to March 19, 1918; Toul Sector from April 1 to 
June 26; his whole Battalion was in the raid, night of May 30; 
was gassed in this raid ; was in hospital one week, then was sent 
to a convalescent camp; afterwards, was attached to 3rd Co., 
Headquarters Batt. (Engineers' outfit); remained with this Batt. 
until Armistice was signed, Nov. 11; returned to Co. I, 101st 
Inf. at Chaumont area where he remained two months (was in 
Toul when Armistice was signed); thence to the Le Mans area, 
remaining two months; thence to Brest; embarked at Brest, 
March 30,1919, arrived at Boston April 6; thence to Camp 
Devens where he was discharged April 28, 1919. Rank, Cor- 
poral, from July 24, 1917. 26th Division. 

Murphy, Joseph, unmarried; born in Lawrence, Mass., Dec. 
15, 1896; enlisted at Marlborough, Aug. 29, 1918, in Co. D, 
73rd Inf., 12th Division, went to Camp Devens; discharged, 
Jan. 29, 1919. Rank, Private. 

Murray, Flora B., Miss; unmarried; daughter of George H. 
and Lucy A.; born in Northborough, July 7, 1893; enrolled as a 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 417 

Red Cross Nurse, July 5, 1918, at Worcester; called into service 
July 22; went to Camp Devens; while there Red Cross nurses 
were taken over by the U. S. Army; remained there until Oct. 23; 
thence to New York for mobilization ; was assigned to Replace- 
ment Unit No. 7; embarked for overseas Nov. 11, 1918, on the 
English ship "Oxfordshire" (this was the last ship to be convoyed), 
landed at Liverpool, Nov. 26; thence to Southampton; thence 
across the channel to Le Havre; thence to Menes, a hospital 
center; thence to Trener; remained at Evacuation Hospital No. 
12 until May 17 when she went to No. 19 as a patient; embarked 
at St. Nazaire June 16, 1919; landed at Newport News, June 29; 
thence to Foxhill Hospital at Staten Island ; relieved from duty 
Aug. 19, 1919. 

Nelson, Adolph C, unmarried; son of Bernhard and Anna; 
born in Concord, Mass., Dec. 9, 1892; enlisted in the Navy in 
April, 1917; was stationed first at Commonwealth Pier, Boston; 
was then assigned to the U. S. S. "Georgia"; remained on the 
"Georgia" until Sept., when on account of illness, he was trans- 
ferred to the Naval hospital at Brooklyn, N. Y.; having seem- 
ingly recovered his health he was assigned to the U. S. S. "Levia- 
than"; two days after this assignment he was returned to the 
Naval hospital at Brooklyn, but owing to crowded conditions 
there he was transferred to St. Mary's hospital, near by; he died 
there Jan. 20, 1918, thus becoming Northborough's first sacri- 
fice in the Great War. Rank, Seaman. 

Nelson, Clarence N., unmarried; son of Charles A. and 
Marion R.; born in Northborough, Feb. 24, 1895; enlisted in Co. 
A, 2nd Mass. Militia, March 21, 1916; was in the expedition to 
the Mexican Border from June 19 to Nov. 4, 1916; his company 
was called out March 15, 1917, three weeks before war against 
Germany was declared ; was sent to Curtis Pond in Worcester to 
guard the Boston & Albany bridge; then to Lancaster to 
guard the Nashua River bridge; then to Green Hill Park in 
Worcester for battalion drill; thence to Camp Bartlett at 
Westfield, Mass.; at Westfield, the 2nd Mass. Inf. was incor- 
porated into the 104th U. S. Inf.; entrained for Montreal Oct. 4, 
1917; embarked at Montreal on the S. S. "Scotian" for overseas; 
held at Halifax one week, waiting for a convoy; sailed from 
Halifax Oct. 11; landed at Liverpool; thence to Southampton; 
thence to Le Havre; thence to training area at Neufchateau; 
thence to the front lines, Feb. 4, 1918. Battles and engagements: 
Chemin des Dames Sector Feb. 8 to March 20; Toul Sector 
April 1 to June 14; Marne Salient (Pas Finis Sector), July 4 to 
Aug. 1; Aisne-Marne Ofi"ensive July 18 to July 23; St. Mihiel 
Offensive Sept. 12 to Sept 15; Troyon Sector, P. C. Meringa, 



418 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Sept. 14 to Oct. 6; Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Oct. 14 to Nov. 11, 
1918. After the Armistice he went to Dammartin; thence to 
the Le Mans area; thence to Brest (in January) ; embarked on the 
Mt. Vernon, and arrived in Boston early in March, 1919; thence 
to Camp Devens where he was discharged April 28, 1919. Rank, 
Sergeant, from July, 1918. Co. A, 104th Inf., 26th Division. 

Nelson, George W., unmarried; son of Charles A. and 
Marion R. ; born in Northborough, Dec. 6, 1896; enlisted in Co. F, 
6th Mass. Inf., at Marlborough, March 28, 1916; Company called 
out March 29, 1917, before war was declared; went first to Fitch- 
burg, then to Boston, doing guard duty at both places (factories 
and bridges); thence to Camp Darling at Framingham; thence 
to Camp Devens; thence to Camp Bartlett at Westfield; there 
he was assigned to Co. K, 104th U. S. Inf. (made up partly 
from the 6th Mass. which had been taken over); left for New 
York, Oct. 2, where he embarked on the "Aurania" for overseas; 
landed at Liverpool about Oct. 18; thence to Southampton, 
Le Havre and Pompierre ; remained in latter place until Feb. 6,1918; 
thence to the front lines; Soissons Sector; Chemin des Dames 
Sector, February and March; Bois-Braile, fighting five successive 
nights; another sector, remaining until the latter part of June; 
July 4, in Belleau Wood (Chateau-Thierry front) ; was in the 
Chateau-Thierry drive that began July 18; then to St. Mihiel 
(two days) but was not in that battle; on account of illness 
was sent to Base Hospital No. 44, where he was when the Armis- 
tice was signed; returned to his outfit in December; transferred 
to Central Records Office in Feb., 1919, and remained there 
until Aug. 6; then to Brest, where he embarked for home Aug. 
13, on the ship "Nansemond," reaching New York Aug. 23; 
thence to Camp Upton, where he was discharged Aug. 25, 1919. 
He was the first man of his regiment to bring in a German 
prisoner (at Bois-Braile), for which feat he received a French 
War Cross, and 300 francs from his Division Headquarters. 
Rank, First Class Private. 26th Division. 

NoviNs, Hyman, unmarried; born in Russia, July 15, 1898; 
enlisted at Boston in the regular army, early in 1917, and was 
attached to Batt. B, 21st Field Artillery. He was a Russian 
Jew, who, at the time of his enlistment was working as a farm 
hand on the Arthur Z. Norcross farm. The writer was in 
correspondence with him for several months but finally lost 
track of him. 

Paul, Eben W., unmarried; son of Henry W. and Clara E.; 
born in Northborough, March 9, 1884; enlisted in regular army 
at Fort Slocum, New York, May 3, 1912; was in the Expedi- 
tionary Force to Vera Cruz, Mexico, from April 28 to Nov. 23, 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 419 

1914; discharged May 2, 1915. Re-enlisted in U. S. Regular 
Army July 3, 1917, at Syracuse, N.Y. ; was assigned to Co. B, 38th 
Inf.; volunteered to the 5th Machine Gun Batt., July, 1917; 
went overseas with that Batt., sailing on the "Carmania," Sept. 
22; (the German Government offered $50,000 for the sinking of 
this boat — the Captain was a good one and the boat a fast one) ; 
arrived at Liverpool Oct. 2; thence to Southampton; thence to 
Le Havre, arriving Oct. 7; thence to Beaumont, Gondrecourt, 
and Soul Court where he remained in training until Feb., 1918; 
thence back to Gondrecourt, and thence to Verdun Sector. 
Battles, engagements, etc.: Verdun Sector; St. Mihiel — went 
"over the top," Sept 12, in Pershing's great drive; Champaign 
Sector; Chateau-Thierry; Argonne-Meuse Oct. 30 to Nov. 10; 
sent to the rear in the afternoon of Nov. 10, and was there when 
the Armistice was signed, Nov. 11 ; was in France from Sept. 22, 

1917, to April, 1919; embarked for home on the "Nansemond" 
arriving at Newport News, Va., April 28, 1919; left Camp Stuart 
May 5, arrived at Camp Devens May 6, where he was dis- 
charged May 10, 1919. Rank, Private. Co. L, 23rd Regt., 2nd 
Division. 

Peinze, Carl E., unmarried; son of Herman M. and Minnie; 
born in Northborough, June 17, 1895; enlisted at Boston, Sept. 
28, 1917, in the Balloon Section of the Aviation Corps; reported 
at Fort Omaha, Neb. ; completed studies and was recommended 
for 2nd Lieut. Dec. 6; was sent to San Antonio, Texas, to qualify 
as a free balloon pilot, Jan. 1, 1918; reported back at Omaha 
Jan. 29, having passed course and holding license No. 341 ; 
commissioned 2nd Lieut. Feb. 11 ; assigned as instructor in aerial 
observation work early in March; organized 74th Balloon Co. 
Aug. 28, and was made commander of it; entire Company was 
transferred to Fort Crook, Nebraska, Nov. 5; was relieved as 
Company Commander late in November and reported back at 
Fort Omaha: attached to 75th Balloon Co. Discharged at 
Fort Omaha, Jan. 15, 1919. Rank, 2nd Lieut. 

Peinze, Herman L., unmarried; son of Herman M. and 
Minnie; born in Northborough, Nov. 27, 1892; enlisted June 14, 

1918, at Marlborough, Mass.; went to Training Detachment at 
Newton Technical School; left there Aug. 12 for Camp Jackson, 
S. C, arriving Aug. 15; was assigned to Radio School, 7th Regt., 
as Instructor; the 7th Regt. was made the 10th in Sept.; remained 
at Camp Jackson until Jan. 3, 1919, when he was transferred to 
Camp Devens where he was discharged Jan. 10, 1919. Rank, 
Corporal, from Oct. 1918. 

Peinze, Walter A., unmarried; son of Herman M. and 
Minnie; born in Northborough June 5, 1898; enlisted in the 



420 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Student Army Training Corps, Oct. 29, 1918; was assigned to 
Wentworth Institute, Boston, where he remained until he was 
discharged, Dec. 5, 1918. Rank, Private. 

PiCARD, James Leo, unmarried; son of Frank and Hannah; 
born in Northborough, Oct. 9, 1891 ; enlisted in U. S. Navy, May 
7, 1918; called into service Oct. 9; went to Training Station at 
Hingham, Mass., where he remained three weeks; then to 
Commonwealth Pier, South Boston; Feb. 16, 1919, went to 
Bay Ridge Receiving Ship, at Bay Ridge, N. Y., where he 
remained until June 8; sent back to Receiving Ship at Hingham, 
Mass., where he was discharged, June 16, 1919. Rank, First 
Class Molder. 

PiCARD, Vincent F., unmarried; son of Frank and Hannah; 
born in Northborough, July 25, 1895; enlisted at Marlborough, 
Mass., Oct 5, 1917; was attached to the Medical Corps of the 
327th Inf.; went first to Camp Devens;was transferred to Camp 
Gordon, Ga., Nov. 10; transferred to Camp Upton, N. Y., April 
1918; soon afterwards he embarked for overseas; he was mortally 
wounded in the Argonne Forest, and died Oct. 9, 1918. Rank, 
Private. 

Richards, William A., married; son of Charles and Jane 
(Lucies); born in Elmpoint, North Dakota, Nov. 22, 1882; 
enlisted March 12, 1918; was attached to 1st Battalion, Co. C, 
United States Guards; went first to Fort Slocum, N. Y., where 
he remained ten days; thence to Plattsburg Barracks, N. Y., where 
he remained three weeks; made Corporal April 12, 1918; thence 
to Erie Basin, Brooklyn, where he remained until Jan. 1, 1919, 
doing guard duty along the waterfront; made Sergeant, June 1, 
1918; thence to Camp Dix Jan. 1, 1919, where he was discharged 
Jan. 10, 1919. Rank, Sergeant. 

Ryan, Martin M., unmarried; son of Martin H. and Sarah 
E., born in Northborough, Aug. 11, 1896; enlisted at Marl- 
borough, Oct. 22, 1918; was assigned to the Coast Artillery, 4th 
Headquarters Co.; went to Fort Rodman, New Bedford, Oct. 22, 
and remained there until he was discharged, Dec. 19, 1918. 
Rank, Private. 

ScHOFiELD, Bertrand L., Unmarried; son of Obed E. and 
Cassie; born in White Rock, N. S., Aug. 6, 1895; enlisted at 
Worcester, June 10, 1917; went to Fort Ethan Allen, Vt., where 
he was sworn into service; was assigned to the Medical Corps; 
remained there until Aug. 19, when he was transferred to Camp 
Beauregard at Alexandria, La.; arrived there Aug. 23, and 
remained until May 31, 1919; was transferred to General Hospital 
No. 19, at Oteen, N. C; remained there until Jan. 19, 1920, 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 421 

when he was transferred to Camp Dix, N. J., where he was dis- 
charged Jan. 22, 1920. Rank, Sergeant. He was the last of 
the boys to return to Northborough. 

Smith, Leslie H., unmarried; son of Edwin L. and NelHe; 
born in Northborough, Jan. 31, 1900; enHsted in the Merchant 
Marine, Aug. 31, 1918, at Boston; was stationed on the ship 
"Meade"; transferred to the "Governor Cobb," and then back to 
the "Meade" again; made several trips to Maine and several 
to New York; enlisted as a steward: later was transferred to the 
Band. Discharged, April 30, 1919. 

Stone, Herbert A., unmarried; son of George D. and Lucy 
A.; born in Bolton, Mass.,Nov. 30, 1886; enlisted Aug. 6, 1918, 
at Marlborough; was attached to the 73rd Machine Gun Co.; 
went to Camp Devens where he remained during his enlistment. 
Discharged, Jan. 29, 1919. Rank, Private. 

Stone, Howard D., unmarried ; son of Walter H. and Ruth A. ; 
born in Northborough, March 18, 1895; enlisted in Co. K, 8th 
Mass. Inf., Nov. 1913; was discharged in April, 1916; re-enlisted 
in same Co. and Regt., June 1916; went with the Expeditionary 
Force to the Mexican Border in June, 1916; returned, Nov. 
1916; with his regiment he was called out in July, 1917; 
went to camp at Westfield, Mass.; in Aug., the 8th Mass. 
became part of the 103rd U. S. Inf.; left Westfield, Sept. 
25, for France, stopping in England fourteen days; landed at 
Le Havre, remaining over night; next day went to Liffal le Grand, 
where he remained until Feb. 5, 1918; then to Soissons front in 
the Chemin des Dames Sector, remaining forty-eight days; 
then to Apremont, Toul Sector; then to Mont Sector; thence to 
Chateau-Thierry, in the great drive; then in the St. Mihiel 
drive; thence to Verdun where he remained about three weeks, 
taking part in "the worst fighting I ever saw"; was at Verdun 
when the Armistice was signed; four days after the Armistice, 
started on a ten days' march to Montigny-le-Roi; remained 
there until Feb., 1919; then to the Le Mans area, remaining 
one month; thence to Brest; embarked on the S. S. "America," 
and arrived in Boston, April 1; thence to Camp Devens where 
he was discharged April 28, 1919. Rank, Cook. 26th Division. 

Stone, Winfred H., unmarried; son of Walter H. and Ruth 
A.; born in Northborough, Feb. 1, 1890; was called before the 
Draft Board but did not pass the physical examination; offered 
himself as a volunteer to go to Vancouver and was accepted; 
started for Vancouver June 21, 1918; was attached to the 65th 
Aero Squadron (the Government took over the sawmills there, 
and got out material for airships) ; from Vancouver he went to 
Raymond, Wash., where he remained four months; then he 



422 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

returned to Vancouver, remaining until Jan., 1919; thence to 
Camp Devens, arriving Jan. 21; was put into 1st Co. Casual 
Infantry, and was discharged. Jan. 24, 1919. Rank, First Class 
Private. 

Trudeau, Esdras J., unmarried; son of Joseph and Mar- 
garet; born in Northborough, Sept 16, 1895; enlisted at Worces- 
ter, May 10, 1918, in United States Marines, 80th Co., 6th Regt.; 
went to Paris Island, S. C; qualified as a sharpshooter and got a 
medal for same; remained there until Oct. 18, when he went to New 
York and embarked on the ship "Pocahontas" for overseas; 
landed at Brest, France, Nov. 3; was put into the 4th Brigade, 
Marines, Nov. 4; remained in the vicinity of Brest waiting for 
transportation; was slated for the front, but the signing of the 
Armistice on Nov. 11 caused the plans to be changed; then 
began to drive the Germans out of France; the Germans kept 
about twelve hours ahead ; followed them through Northern France, 
Belgium and Luxemburg into Germany; was in the Army of 
Occupation from Dec. 12, 1918 to July 18, 1919, stationed in the 
vicinity of Coblenz; started for Brest, July 18; embarked at 
Brest on the S. S. "George Washington," and arrived at New 
York Aug. 3, thence to Camp Mills, Long Island. He paraded 
in New York with the 2nd Division, Aug. 8; that same night he 
started for Quantico, Va.; he paraded with the 5th and 6th 
Regts. of Marines in Washington which were reviewed by Presi- 
dent Wilson, Aug. 12; was discharged at Quantico, Aug. 13, 
1919. Rank, Private. 2nd Division. 

Van Ornum, Frederick B., married; son of James B. and 
Emily; born in Russell, N. Y., March 31, 1870; enlisted as 
instructor in the Educational Corps, at Beaune, France, April 16, 
1919; went over as a Y. M. C. A. Secretary with the purpose of 
doing educational work among the American soldiers; embarked 
at New York, Feb. 26, 1919, on the S. S. "Matsonia," and arrived 
at Brest, March 8; thence to Paris for instruction at Y. M. C. A. 
headquarters; reported at Beaune, April 7; taken into U. S. 
Army April 16; established a Post School and carried it through 
a period of one month, when orders were issued closing all 
educational activities among the Expeditionary Forces, June 3; 
returned to Beaune; thence to Brest where he embarked on the 
U. S. S. "Pretoria," arrived in New York, July 12 ; was discharged 
July 13. 1919. 

Walker, William B., unmarried; son of David A. and 
Elizabeth B.; born in Forfar, Scotland, Oct. 12, 1890; enlisted in 
U. S. Marines, May 10, 1918; went to Paris Island, S. C; 
remained there until June 13, when he was transferred to Norfolk, 
Va.; was discharged there, March 24, 1919. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 423 

Walls, Francis Sidney, unmarried; son of George P. and 
Delia A.; born in Northborough, Dec. 18, 1895; was a student at 
Boston University when he enlisted in the 2nd Mass. Field 
Artillery Band, at Lawrence, June 1, 1917, for service in the 
National Guard; went to Boxford, Mass., for training; while at 
Boxford the National Guard was taken over by the Federal 
Government and his unit became the 102nd Field Artillery Band; 
left Boxford Sept. 21 for Hoboken where he embarked for over- 
seas Sept. 22; landed at St. Nazaire, France; then to Camp 
Coetquidan for training; then to first battlefront, Chemin des 
Dames, Soissons Sector, where he remained from Feb. 5 to 
March 21, 1918; was in Battle of Seicheprey, April 21, in the 
Toul Sector; Battle of Xivray, June 16; second Battle of the 
Marne (Chateau-Thierry), July 18, 1918; St. Mihiel Drive, 
Sept. 12, 1918; Verdun, Argonne Forest, Oct. 12 to Nov. 11, 
1918; remained with the 102nd F. A. Band (which became the 
Divisional Band about June 16, 1918) until Feb. 27, 1919; 
the 26th Division left France late in March and early in April, 
1919, but Walls did not return with them; he took advantage 
of the Government's offer to send college students to European 
colleges, and became a student at the University of Caen, at 
Caen, France, remaining from March 1 to June 30, 1919; then 
to Brest, where he embarked for home July 7, arriving at Hoboken 
July 13; thence to Camp Mills where he was discharged July 22, 
1919. Rank, 2nd Class Musician. 26th Division. 

The 102nd F. A. Band was the only mounted American Band 
in France. It was the first American Band to play in the 
citadel of Verdun. 

President Wilson took dinner with the officers of the 26th 
Division on Christmas Day, 1918, at Montigny-Ie-Roi, and the 
102nd F. A. Band was chosen to furnish music on that occasion. 
Walls had the honor of playing a cornet solo on that occasion. 

Walsh, Matthew J., unmarried; son of James and Mary; 
born in Salem, Mass., May 6, 1895; enlisted at Worcester, May 
12, 1917, in Batt. E. 102nd Field Artillery; went to Paxton, 
remaining five days; thence to Boxford, Mass , remaining from 
July 30, to Sept. 22; thence to New York where he embarked on 
the "Finland" Sept. 24, for overseas; arrived at St. Nazaire, 
France, Oct. 5, and remained there ten days; thence to Camp 
Coetquidan where he remained until Jan. 30, 1918; entrained 
for Soissons (Chemin des Dames Sector) ; took position in line 
Feb. 6; left that Sector March 20, arriving at Toul April 4; left 
Toul, June 29 for Chateau-Thierry, arriving July 4; left Chateau- 
Thierry, Aug. 5, for Chalon, where he rested ten days; thence to 
St. Mihiel, arriving Sept. 8; took part in that famous drive; left 



424 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

St. Mihiel, Oct. 11, arriving at Verdun Oct. 14; was at Verdun 
when the Armistice was signed (Nov. 11); left Verdun, Nov. 16, 
and after resting in several places throughout the winter finally- 
arrived at the Le Mans area; left there for Brest March 29, 1919; 
embarked at Brest, April 1, and arrived at Boston, April 10; 
thence to Camp Devens where he was discharged April 29, 1919. 
Rank, Sergeant. 26th Division. 

We.'\gle, Dennis W. S., married; son of Howard and Ellen; 
born in Marlborough, Dec. 24, 1893; enlisted in Co. F, 6th Mass. 
Inf., March 23, 1915; was called out March 30, 1917, about a 
week before war was declared; went to Fitchburg for guard 
duty, remaining ten days; then to Boston, guarding bridges, etc., 
remaining until June 28; then to Camp Darling at Framingham, 
remaining about ten days; then to Camp Devens; while at Camp 
Devens the 6th Mass. was taken over and became part of the 
104th U. S. Inf , he being attached to Co. K; left for Camp 
Bartlett, Westfield, Mass., latter part of Aug.; entrained for 
New York Oct. 2; thence by boat to Halifax where he em- 
barked on British ship "Aurania" for overseas, arriving at 
Liverpool Oct. 17; thence to Southampton; thence to Le Havre, 
arriving Oct. 21; thence to Pompierre, a training area; remained 
in that area until Feb. 6, 1918, when he went to the front where 
he participated in the following battles, engagements, etc.; 
Chemin des Dames Sector, Feb. 8 to March 20; Toul Sector, 
April 1 to June 14; Bois Braile Defensive, April 10 to April 14; 
Marne Salient (Pas Finis Sector), July 4 to Aug. 1; Aisne-Marne 
Offensive, July 18 to July 23; St. Mihiel Offensive, Sept 12 to 
Sept. 15; troyon Sector (P. C. Marengo), Sept. 14 to Oct. 5; 
Meuse-Argonne Offensive, Oct. 4, to Nov. 11, 1918; after the 
Armistice was signed his unit spent two days burying the dead ; 
then a nine days' hike to a rest camp where he remained two 
months; then to the Le Mans area, remaining until March 20, 
1919; then to Brest, where, after five days, he embarked March 
27, on the "Mt. Vernon," arriving at Boston, April 4; thence to 
Camp Devens, where he was discharged, April 28, 1919. Rank 
First Class Private. 26th Division. 

The 104th Regt, was decorated by General Petain of the 
French Army. 

Williams, Ernest A., unmarried; son of John and Marietta; 
born in Worcester, Jan. 23, 1899; enlisted at Boston, April 7, 
1917, in the U. S. Navy; was assigned to the Receiving Ship 
"Georgia," then to the training station at Newport; was then 
transferred to Admiral Sims' barge, on which he remained 
about four months; was then transferred to the U. S.S "Recruit," 
which was doing recruiting duty at New York City, remaining 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 425 

about four months; thence to the Receiving Ship at New York; 
was then transferred to the U. S. S. "Canandaigua," a mine 
layer, on which he spent five months laying mines in the North 
Sea; was then transferred to the Receiving Ship at Norfolk, Va., 
where he remained about one week; was then transferred to the 
U. S. S. "Westgate," which was engaged in the Army Freight 
Service; the "Westgate" was sunk off Halifax on the night of 
Oct. 7, 1918, by one of our own ships which was moving about 
trying to avoid German submarines. Williams was in the 
water from 2 A.M. till 7 A. M., when he was rescued by the 
U. S. S. "American." He was then transferred to the Receiving 
Ship at New York, where he remained about four months; was 
transferred to the U. S. S. "New Mexico," Jan. 15, 1919 (while 
on this ship Williams was First Musician); the "New Mexico" 
was sent to Brest, France, for the purpose of assisting in convoy- 
ing President Wilson from France to Boston (his first return) ; 
then to Hampton Roads where the fleet was divided into the 
"Pacific" and "Atlantic" fleets; the "New Mexico" was assigned 
to the "Pacific Fleet," being made its Flagship; sailed up the 
west coast as far as Vancouver, then down to Los Angeles, where 
he left the ship and proceeded across country to the Receiving 
Ship "Boston," at Hingham, Mass., where he was discharged 
Oct. 29, 1919. Rank, Seaman, First Class. 

Wheeler, Milton S., unmarried; son of Orin M. and Lillian 
A.; born in South Lancaster, Mass., April 15, 1897; enlisted at 
Marlborough, July 17, 1918; went to Camp Devens, where he 
remained during the full term of his service; was attached to the 
Medical Corps. Was discharged. May 25, 1919. Rank, Sergeant. 

Woodward, Henry P., unmarried; son of Henry F. and 
Mary E.; enlisted at Framingham, Aug. 14, 1917; went to Fort 
Slocum, N.Y., remaining one week; then to Fort Oglethorpe, Ga., 
remaining one week; then to Camp Lee, Va., where he was 
attached to the 305th Engineers; remained there until March 15, 
1918; thence to Hoboken, where he remained until the 7th 
Machine Gun Batt. arrived when he was attached to it; embarked 
on the "Aquitania" April 2, for overseas, and arrived at Liver- 
pool, April 10; thence to Le Havre via Southampton, arriving 
April 15; thence to training area at Le Ferte sur Aube, remaining 
until May 30; first action at Chateau-Thierry, May 31 (the 7th 
Machine Gun Batt. was the first American unit to enter the 
town), and the Batt. was not relieved until June 5; thence to 
Charly, where they rested four days; thence to "Hill 204," 
throwing indirect fire to permit the Infantry to advance, 
remaining two days, then back to Charly for three days; then 
to rest camp at Vielles Maison for two weeks; from June 17 to 



426 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

July 15 was at or near Pertibout; July 15 the Batt. was called 
upon to help defend the Marne, and was stationed at Caurboin, 
but did not get into action, "though it did not get the full 
benefit of the German barrage"; reached the St. Mihiel salient 
early in Sept., and took part in that famous drive of Sept. 
12, his Batt. being stationed at Nonsard; then participated in 
the Meuse-Argonne Offensive, the last American ofifensive ; after 
the Armistice the 3rd Division became a part of the Army of 
Occupation, and Woodward was stationed near Coblenz ; remained 
there until Aug. 9, 1919; then to Brest; embarked on the U. S. S. 
"Huron" Aug. 13 and arrived at Hoboken, Aug. 23; then to 
Camp Merritt, N. J.; then to Camp Devens, where he was 
discharged, Sept. 2, 1919. Rank, First Class Private, 3rd 
Division, 7th Machine Gun Battalion. 



Celebration 

IN COMMEMORATION 
OF THE 

One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary 

OF THE INCORPORATION OF 
THE TOWN OF 

NortKborou^h, Massachusetts 

"Wednesday and Thursday, August Sixteenth and Seventeenth 
Nineteen Hundred and Sixteen 



Note: This, and the following 7 pages reproduce an eight-page souvenir program 
which was gotten out for the occasion. 



428 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



General Committee 

Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent, President 
George F. Sargent, Secretary Ezra H. Bigelow, Treasurer 
Hermon L. Sparrow | 
Ezra H. Bigelow \ Board of Selectmen 
Allison I. Duplissis 



Francis M. Harrington* 

Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent 

Rev. Frank Louis Bristol 

Rev. James A. Hurley 

Edwin S. Corey 

George A. Brigham 

Arthur A. Phelps 

Mrs. Herbert L. Kimball 

Hazon Leighton 

Mrs. S. Stanley Stephenson 

Harry F. Allen 

Curtis H. Burdett 

Fred A. Leonard 

Guilford P. Heath 

Mrs. Edwin S. Corey 



Asa B. Fay 
George F. Sargent 
Dr. John L. Coffin 
Martin H. Ryan 
Walter B. Mayo 
Miss Kate Ellsworth 
Thomas L. White 
Frederick B. Van Ornum 
Prof. Samuel T. Maynard 
Noah Wadsworth 
Clarence E. Buckley 
William J. Potter 
Dr. Josiah M. Stanley 
Thomas H. Blair 
Henry F. Carbrey 



Reception Committee 



Mr. and Mrs. Hermon L. Sparrow 

Mr. and Mrs. Ezra H. Bigelow 

Allison L Duplissis 

Miss Freda Duplissis 

Dr. and Mrs. John L. Coffin 

Prof, and Mrs. Samuel T. Maynard 

Asa B. Fay 

Mr. and Mrs. Walter B. Mayo 

Dr. and Mrs. Henry J. Barnes 

Mr. and Mrs. Noah Wadsworth 

Dr. Josiah M. Stanley 

Mr. and Mrs. George F. Sargent 

Rev. and Mrs. Frank L. Bristol 



Rev. and Mrs. Andrew T. Ringold 

Rev. James H. Hurley 

Miss Helen T. Fitzgerald 

Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent 

Miss Ivy A. Kent 

Mr. and Mrs. Guilford P. Heath 

Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Thomas 

Miss Anna M. Seaver 

Mr. and Mrs. Frederick B. Van Ornum 

Mr. and Mrs. George A. Brigham 

Mr. and Mrs. Edwin S. Corey 

Mrs. Harriet H. Johnson 

Mr. and Mrs. George H. Felt 



Honorary Members of Reception Committee 



Mrs. Harriet Fay Fayerweather 
Mrs. Lucy J. Wilson 
Miss Ellen Williams 
Mrs. Annie D. Fairbanks 
Mrs. Sarah F. Searle 
Miss Mary P. Brigham 
Mrs. Francis M. Howe 
Nathaniel S. Brigham 



George B. Wood 

Walter Valentine 

Mr. and Mrs. Theodore C. Woodward 

Lorenzo Sanderson 

Mrs. Mary Martha Fawcett 

Mr. and Mrs. Arthur E. Wood 

Gilman B. Howe 

Mrs. M. Anna Wood 



♦Deceased. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



429 



Honorary Members of Reception Committee — Children 

The following named children, all between five and ten years of age, all horn 
in Northborough, and now pupils in our public schools (1916), have been made 
Honorary Members of the Reception Committee. 
Mary E. Phelps Ruth W. Sparrow 

Margaret J. McGrath Lillian Norcross 

Helen Flibbert Doris M. Krause 

Bernice A. Asquith Florence E. Hatch 

Elizabeth J. Walker Florence E. Mitchell 

Lucy Hildreth Pauline Peinze 

Harold W. Sargent Ernest R. Derosier 

Howard P. Shattuck Edward H. Ross 

Bernard Warren Norman H. Smith 

Charles S. Ellsworth Robert A. Nelson 

Carl H. Carlson Philip W. Kimball 

Francis G. Duffy Roland J. Mosso 

Francis S. Goddard Harvey E. Schofield 

RoUand G. Corey Gordon H. Crossley 

Harold E. Codd Charles A. Bailey 



Program Committee 



Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent 
George F. Sargent 
Dr. John L. Coffin 



Mrs, 



Clarence E. Buckley 
Martin H. Ryan 
Mrs. Edwin S. Corey 
Herbert L. Kimball 



Literary Committee 



George A. Brigham 
Prof. Samuel T. Maynard 



George F. Sargent 

Rev. Frank Louis Bristol 



William J. Potter 
Frank W. Eames 



Fred A. Leonard 



Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent 

Invitation Committee 

Miss Abbie M. Small 
Miss Kate Ellsworth 
Mrs. Henry G. Corey 

Music Committee 

Edwin S. Corey 



Mrs. Herbert L. Kimball 



Fred A. Leonard 
William B. Walker 
William H. Casey 



Publicity Committee 

Harry F. Allen 
Herbert G. Bruso 

Committee on Sports 

O. Elmer Eldridge 
Miss Fanny Bemis 
Miss Marjory Corey 



Business Men's Committee 

Dr. Josiah M. Stanley Thomas H. Blair 

Henry F. Carbrey 



430 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Decoration Committee 

Allison I. DupHssis William L. Wadsworth 

C. Montford Brigham 

Committee on Children's Parade 

Miss Alice C. Eames Miss Elizabeth Ryan 

Miss M. Evelyn Potter Miss Laura Chabot 

Miss Fanny Proctor 

Pageant Committee 

Dr. John L, Coffin Mrs. Walter O. Brigham 

Mrs. Edwin S. Corey Mrs. John F. Johnson 

Albert Asquith 

Committee on Historical and Civic Parade 
Grand Marshal, Harry Worcester Smith 

George A. Brigham James T. Carbrey 

Arthur A. Phelps Mrs. Marion W. Parmenter 

Mrs. Mary B. Sawyer Miss Kate Ellsworth 

Hazon Leighton Guilford P. Heath 

Mrs. S. Stanley Stephenson Rev. J. C. Kent 

Harry F. Allen Dr. Josiah M. Stanley 

Curtis H. Burdett Thomas H. Blair 

Fred A. Leonard Henry F. Carbrey 

Dinner Committee 

Wilbur H. Duplissis Chester E. Hildreth 

Henry W. Paul Miss Ada A. McClure 

Frank J. Russell 

PROGRAM 

Sunday, August 13 
Special services in the churches at 10.45. Special service in the Unitarian 
Church at 3 o'clock. A tablet to the memory of the Rev. John Martyn, the 
first minister of the Town, will be dedicated. Address by Miss Emma Eliza- 
beth Brigham, of Brookline, a lineal descendant of Rev. John Martyn. 

Wednesday, August 16 

Ringing of church bells at sunrise, five minutes. 

Ringing of church bells at sunset, five minutes. 

Concert by the Northborough Band, 8.30 o'clock, at Assabet Park. 

Children's parade at 9.30 o'clock. Will form on Church Street. 

Sports for children from 10.30 to 12 o'clock, at Assabet Park. 

Old Home Day Exercises at 2 o'clock at Assabet Park. George A. 
Brigham, Master of Ceremonies. 

Addresses by present and former residents. 

Ball game, 3.30 o'clock, at Mitchell's Field. 

Reunion of Northborough High School Association, 3.30 o'clock, at the 
High School. 

Reception for elderly residents and their friends, 3.30 o'clock, at the 
Northborough Free Library. 

Literary exercises in the Town Hall at 8 o'clock. 

Historical address by Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 431 

Thursday, August 17 

Ringing of church bells at sunrise, five minutes. 

Ringing of church bells at sunset, five minutes. 

Historical and civic parade. Forms on Church Street at 7.30 o'clock. 
Including bands, historical and civic floats, fire engines, societies, and other 
features. 

Sports for young people at 10 o'clock, at Assabet Park. 

Dinner at Town Hall at 12.30 o'clock. 

Concert by the Worcester City Band, 1.30 to 2 o'clock, at Assabet Park. 

Literary exercises at Assabet Park at 2 o'clock. Rev. Frank Louis 
Bristol, Master of Ceremonies. 

Dedication of flag-staff and flag raising, with address by Governor 
Samuel W. McCall. 

Addresses by Hermon L. Sparrow, Chairman Board of Selectmen; George 
H. Woodman, Chairman Westborough Board of Selectmen; Louis Farley 
Mayor of Marlborough. 

Grand historical pageant at 8 o'clock at Mitchell's Field. 

INFORMATION 

Information An information Bureau has been located in the Selectmen's 
Bureau Room in the Town Hall. 

Rest Rooms Grand Army Hall on East Main Street, Historical Hall on 
South Street, and the churches, have been designated as 
rest rooms for the comfort and convenience of our guests. It is hoped that 
visitors will make liberal use of these rooms. 

Registration Registration blanks may be found at the above-named rest 
rooms. It is particularly requested that all visitors register 
their names and present address. These blanks will be bound into a book and 
preserved as a souvenir of the celebration. 

Nurse A trained nurse, with full equipment, will be on duty during 

both days of the celebration. She will be located in the 
parlor of the Evangelical Congregational Church on East Main Street. 

Reception All elderly residents of the Town are invited to meet and 
receive their friends at the Northborough Free Library from 
3.30 to 5 o'clock on August 16; also to review the parade on August 17. 

Public The Northborough Free Library will be open for inspection 

Library on both days, from 10 to 12 o'clock. 

HISTORIC PLACES, EVENTS AND PEOPLE OF NORTHBOROUGH, 
MASSACHUSETTS 

History Marlborough was settled in 1654 and incorporated in 1660. 

It included, at that time, what is now Southborough, West- 
borough, Northborough, and Hudson. All these towns, with the exception of 
Northborough, were set off from Marlborough at diff'erent times. West- 
borough was set off and incorporated in 1717, and it included what is now 
Northborough. Two settlements grew up in widely separated parts of the 
town, one of which was in the north part. This settlement was made a 
precinct in 1744, and was set off as a separate town under the name of North- 
borough in 1766. It is the 150th anniversary of this event which the Town 
is celebrating at this time. 



432 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Brigham's John Brigham was the first settler in Northborough. He 
Mill erected a sawmill on Whitney Street (opposite Bush's Pond) 

in 1675, probably. Lived in a hut nearby; later, built a house 
on the Boylston Road (near Eli Sanderson's place). 

Samuel Was one of twenty-six forts erected by Marlborough for the 

GoODENOW's protection of its people against the Indians. All families 
Garrison were assigned to one or another of these forts, and were sup- 

posed to take refuge in them in times of danger. Goodenow's 
Garrison was situated on the Marlborough Road, near the Balcom place. 

Population Four families, Samuel Goodenow, whose house is located 
IN 1707 above; Nathaniel Oakes, who lived on the place now owned 

by Miss Ada McClure; Gershom Fay, who lived on the 
Boylston Road, opposite the head of Pleasant Street, and Jonathan Forbush, 
who probably lived in the vicinity of Little Chauncy. 

The Mary Mary Goodenow was a daughter of Samuel Goodenow and 
Goodenow lived in the Garrison House. One day in August, 1707, she 
Tragedy and Mary Fay, wife of Gershom Fay, were in the fields gather- 

ing herbs, when they were surprised by a party of Indians. 
They fled to the house and Mrs. Fay reached it. But Mary Goodenow, 
being lame, was overtaken. She was taken across the brook to a wooded 
hillside where she was scalped. Her remains were buried on the spot, where 
they were found a few days later. Her grave is marked by a marble 
monument. 

The North The number of families in the north part of Westborough 
Precinct gradually increased until, in 1744, they numbered 38. So 

they petitioned the General Court to be made a separate 
precinct. Their petition was granted October, 1744. The first precinct 
meeting was held in the house of Colonel William Holloway (now owned by 
Frederick A. King). 

The First The first meeting-house was built in 1745 and stood a few 
Meeting- feet west of the present Unitarian Church. It was a very 

House crude building, but answered its purpose until 1808. When 

the present imposing building was erected, the old meeting- 
house was sold at "vendue" to a Mr. Underwood, who owned the place on 
the Westborough Road (recently owned by Mrs. Tilley). He took it down 
and re-erected it on his place. It now forms the central portion of the 
Tilley barn. 

The Old The house on Whitney Street, now owned by Miss Ada 

Parsonage McClure, is known as "The Old Parsonage." It was built 
by Rev. Peter Whitney in 1780, and occupied by him until 
his death in 1816. It is on the site of a former house which burned down. 
The site was used as a parsonage continuously from 1746 to 1816. 

The Minute Three or four hours after the news of the Battle of Lexing- 
Men ton reached town, a company of fifty Minute Men under 

command of Captain Samuel Wood, left Northborough for 
Boston. They had the proud distinction of taking part in the Battle of 
Bunker Hill, on June 17, 1775. 

Luther Rice Luther Rice was a missionary and educational pioneer. 

Born in Northborough in 1783, educated in our district 

schools, Leicester Academy, Williams College, and Andover Theological 

Seminary. Was one of the five students first to be appointed as foreign 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 433 

missionaries from America. Returned from India to organize the American 
Baptist Foreign Missionary Society. Founded Columbian College (now 
George Washington University) in Washington, D. C, and for fifteen years 
was its treasurer. Died in 1836. A preacher of remarkable eloquence and one 
of the honored pioneers in the missionary and educational movements of the 
nineteenth century. 

"Honest" John Davis, born in Northborough, 1787; graduated from 
John Davis Yale, 1812; prominent lawyer in Worcester; served in Con- 
gress, 1825-34; Governor of Massachusetts, 1834; United 
States Senator, 1835-41; Governor of Massachusetts, 1841-43, and Senator 
again 1845-53. 

JUDAH MONIS Judah Monis was the first Christian Jew in North America. 
He was born in Italy in 1683. Came to New York in 1715, 
where he was a merchant for five years. Came to Boston in 1720. Leading 
ministers of Boston took a great interest in him because of his extended know- 
ledge of the Hebrew language and history. Was appointed instructor of 
Hebrew at Harvard College in 1721, which position he held forty years. In 
1722 he became an apostate to his Jewish religion — became a Christian and 
was publicly baptized at the College. In 1724 he married Abigail Marret, of 
Cambridge, who was a sister of Rev. John Martyn's wife. Upon the death of 
his wife, Mr. Monis came to Northborough where he lived in the family of 
Mr. Martyn, until his death in 1764. He is buried in the old cemetery. 

Ministers OF Rev. John Martyn, 1746-67; Rev. Peter Whitney, 1767- 
THE Town 1816; Rev. Joseph Allen, 1816-32. The town engaged the 
ministers and paid their salaries. Mr. Whitney wrote the 
first "History of Worcester County" ever published, in 1793. Dr. Allen 
wrote the "History of Northborough," in 1826. 

Town The North Precinct of Westborough was set off as a separate 

Incorporated town on January 24, 1766. At that time there were about 
eighty families. The new town was given the name North- 
borough. It enjoyed all the privileges of a town except that of sending a 
representative to the General Court. That privilege was not granted until 1775. 

Early One of the first things the town did after its incorporation 

Schools was to take measures to provide suitable educational advan- 

tages. In 1770 the town was divided into four "squadrons," 
or districts. In 1780, four schoolhouses were built, one in each district. 
That same year a private school, the Northborough Seminary, was estab- 
lished. It stood in front of the present home of Miss Ellen Williams. 

The Baptist The Baptist Church was organized in 1827. First services 
Church held in Deacon Seth Grout's shop. Was called, in derision, 

"The Gospel Shop." First church, built in 1828, is now the 
tenement house at the corner of School and Summer Streets. Present church 
erected 1860. First minister was Rev. Jonathan E. Forbush. 

The Evan- Was organized in 1832. First house of worship, at the junc- 
GELICAL Con- tion of Church and Pleasant Streets, is now the residence of 
GREGATIONAL Miss Ellen Williams. Present church built in 1847. Rev. 
Church Samuel A. Fay was the first minister. 

St. Rose Had its origin in the home of Cornelius MacManniman, 

Church where mass was first said in June, 1843. Thereafter, mass 

was said at regular intervals, until 1886, when the Mission 
was made a parish, and Rev. James McCloskey its first priest. Church was 
built in 1883. 



434 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Town Hall The first Town Hall was built in 1822, and stood a few feet 
southeast of the present high school. It burned down in 
1870. The present building was erected in 1868. 

The Bank The Northborough National Bank was organized in 1854. 
George C. Davis was its first president. 

Fire Engine The first fire engine was purchased in 1847. It is still in 
existence. 

Railroads The railroad was first operated in 1856. It was known as 
"The Agricultural Railroad." Northborough, at that time, 
was the terminus of the route. 

The Worcester and Marlborough Street Railroad opened for traffic in 1897. 

The Town's Dr. Stephen Ball was the first physician in the Town of 
First Northborough. He died in 1798, "in a fit of the apoplex," 

Physician as his gravestone tells us. 

Public The Northborough Free Library was founded in 1868. It 

Library contains nearly 14,000 volumes. The library building was 

the gift of Cyrus Gale, and was dedicated in June, 1895. 



The celebration of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary 
of the incorporation of the town of Northborough, Massachu- 
setts, had its inception in the following vote passed at the 
Annual Town Meeting on March 1, 1915: under Article 17: 

"It was moved by Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent that the 
town of Northborough observe its one hundred and fiftieth 
anniversary which befalls in the year 1916; and that the follow- 
ing be a committee to fix the time, and make all necessary 
arrangements for a suitable celebration : 

"The Honorable Board of Selectmen as it shall be composed 
after today's election: 

"The Town Clerk who shall be elected today. (Francis M. 
Harrington was elected.) 

"The Town Treasurer who shall be elected today. 

"Josiah Coleman Kent, Pastor of the First Congregational 
Unitarian Church. 

"Fr.\nk L. Bristol, Pastor of the Evangelical Congregational 
Church. 

"James A. Hurley, Pastor of St. Rose Catholic Church. 

"Edwin S. Corey, representing the Baptist Church. 

"George A. Brigham, President of the Northborough Histori- 
cal Society. 

"Arthur A. Phelps, Master of the Northborough Grange. 

"Mrs. Herbert L. Kimball, President of the Northborough 
Woman's Club. 

"Hazon Leighton, Commander of Joe Johnson Post 96, 
G. A. R. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



435 



"Mrs. Stanley Stephenson, representing the Woman's 
Relief Corps. 

"Harry F. Allen, representing Joseph H. Proctor Camp, 
No. 71,S. of V. 

"Curtis H. Burdett, President of the Odd Fellows' Club. 

"Fred A. Leonard, President of the Assabet Club. 

"Thomas L. White, representing the Foresters. 

"Guilford P. Heath, representing the Masons. 

"Mrs. Edwin S. Corey, President of the W. C. T. U. 

"Miss Kate Ellsworth, President of the Lady Foresters. 

"Martin H. Ryan, representing the School Committee. Asa 
B. Fay, George F. Sargent, Prof. Samuel T. Maynard, 
Noah Wadsworth, Walter B. Mayo, Dr. John L. Coffin." 

The motion was adopted. 

Also the following vote under Article 18: "Also moved by 
Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent, that the town appropriate a sum 
of money not to exceed five hundred dollars to defray the expenses 
of celebrating its one hundred and fiftieth anniversary in the 
year 1916." This motion was adopted unanimously. 



DEDICATION OF TABLET 

The anniversary celebration really began on Sunday after- 
noon, August 13, with a service in the Unitarian Church, when a 
tablet to the memory of the Rev. John Martyn, the town's 
first minister, was dedicated. There had long been on the 
church walls memorial tablets commemorating the services 
of Rev. Peter Whitney and Rev. Joseph Allen, D.D., the town]s 
second and third ministers, and the Church looked upon this 
anniversary season as an appropriate time in which to memo- 
rialize the first minister. Accordingly, steps were taken some 
months before with this end in view. The committee appointed 
for the purpose procured a simple bronze tablet, embordered by a 
mahogany frame, and had it erected on the south wall of the 
church between the two doors. The inscription thereon reads as 
follows : 



To The Memory 

OF 

REV. JOHN MARTYN 

FIRST MINISTER OF THIS TOWN 

1746 - 1767 



436 NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 

The weather was perfect, and at the appointed hour for 
the service, the church was well-filled with an interested group 
of people. The following program was carried out: 
Organ Voluntary: Miss Belle Duplissis. 
Anthem: Union Choir. 
Hymn: Congregation. 

Scripture reading: Rev. Andrew T. Ringold. 
Prayer: Rev. Frank Louis Bristol. 
Solo: Miss Marie Barnes. 

Unveiling and Dedication of Tablet: Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent. 
Address: Miss Emma Elizabeth Brigham. 
Anthem: Union Choir. 
Hymn: Congregation. 
Benediction: Rev. Josiah Colemen Kent, 

Miss Brigham of Brookline, Mass., who delivered the excellent 
address on "Rev. John Martyn," is a lineal descendant of Mr. 
Martyn. 

It is an interesting coincidence, that at the time of this 
service Mr. Kent's pastorate over this church coincided, almost 
to a day, with that of Rev. John Martyn, the first minister — 
nearly twenty-one years. 

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16 

The day opened clear, cool, and beautiful. The inhabitants 
of Northborough were awakened from their slumbers by the 
ringing of church bells, which told them that the gala occasion 
for which they had long waited had at last arrived. At eight 
o'clock the inhabitants of the town gathered at Mt. Assabet 
where the Northborough Brass Band gave the following concert: 

1. On Jersey Shore, March. Pryor 

2. El Capitan, March. Sousa 

3. Popular Ragtime Number. 

4. Rose of the Orient, Waltz. Ivanovici 

5. Memories. Van Alstyne 

THE CHILDREN'S PARADE 

(All the children in town were invited to take part in this parade.) 
The children's parade formed on Church and Whitney 
Streets, and on the Unitarian Common. The vestry and parlor 
of the church were used as dressing rooms. 




THE ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNH'ERSARY MEDAL 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 437 

The parade started promptly on schedule time, 9.30 o'clock. 
It was headed by the Northborough Brass Band and was led by 
an automobile decorated with yellow pompoms, containing 
the Superintendent of Schools, Frederick B. Van Ornum, and 
the School Committee: Edwin S. Corey, Chairman; Mrs. Herbert 
L. Kimball, Secretary; Rev. Josiah Colemen Kent. 

The parade was made up of three sections, the first composed 
of Mother Goose characters; the second, representing the four 
seasons; and the third, of miscellaneous features. 



THE FIRST DIVISION 

The first division was led by Mother Goose who was dressed 
in the regulation costume. After her came the following: 

''The Three Bears'' Float. 

This was a large wagon drawn by two horses, and decorated 
with cedar trees to represent a forest, the bears' house showing 
among the trees. The three bears were impersonated by 
children dressed in bear costumes. 

''The Four and Twenty Blackbirds'' Float 

This was a large wagon on which was a huge pie filled with 
small children representing blackbirds. At the back overlooking 
the pie were the king and queen, dressed in royal robes, and 
seated upon a throne. The decorations of this float were white 
and gold. 

"Old King Cole" Float 

Another large float representing King Cole's court. The 
king, dressed in court costume, was seated upon a throne, 
attended by pages and entertained by his "fiddlers three," all in 
appropriate costume. The colors used on this float were violet 
and yellow. 

"Peter, Peter, Pumpkin Eater" 

A small float in the form of a large pumpkin, in which rode 
Peter's wife, Peter himself drawing the vehicle. Both were 
dressed in suitable costumes. 

"The Three Wise Men of Gotham" 

A small float representing a large bowl floating on a blue 
ea. In the bowl were three wise men dressed in quaint garments 
and carrying telescopes. 



438 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

After the floats came the rest of the characters, all dressed 
in typical costumes, as follows: 

"The Queen and Knave of Hearts,'" and pages. 

"The Milk Maid." 

"Simple Simon." 

"Jack and Jill." 

"Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary." 

"Little Bo-Peep." 

"Little Miss Muffet." 

"Old Mother Hubbard." 

"Red Riding Hood." 

"Little Boy Blue." 

Following the Mother Goose division came several pony 
teams. They were decorated with flowers and bunting, and 
were followed by twelve girls dressed in white tarleton carrying 
flags. 

THE SECOND DIVISION 

The second division consisted of four large floats repre- 
senting the seasons. Each float was preceded by two boys 
carrying a sign naming the season : 

"Spring" 
The "Spring" float was decorated with green and white 
cheesecloth, fringed tissue paper and Easter lilies. Under 
an arch of lilies were three girls dressed in white, personifying 
"Spring" and her attendants. With them were eight little children 
(the youngest who took part in the parade). 

Following this float were sixteen children carrying a May- 
pole. 

"Summer" 

The "Summer" float was in the form of a pergola, on which 
blossomed several hundred pink roses. The girl who personified 
"Summer" was dressed in white with garlands of roses. Her 
attendants wore pink tarleton. 

This float was followed by twelve girls carrying pink sun- 
shades. 

"Autumn" 

"Autumn" was represented by a chrysanthemum float, all in 
yellow. "Autumn" wore a light yellow gown trimmed with 
chrysanthemums. Her attendants were dressed in orange and 
yellow tarleton. 

After this float marched Troop 1, Northborough Boy Scouts, 
carrying a large horizontal flag. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 439 



"Winter'' 



"Winter" was a large float representing a typical New 
England home decorated for the Christmas festivities, with 
Santa Claus and a Christmas tree as prominent features. On 
the float were several children who shouted "Merrie Christmas," 
as they passed along. 

THE THIRD DIVISION 

This division was made up of miscellaneous features. It 
was headed by an ox cart driven by Philip Kimball (aged seven 
years) . 

This was followed by numerous children dressed in varying 
costumes, trundling wheelbarrows, carts, doll carriages, veloci- 
pedes, etc., all tastefully decorated, and many of them contain- 
ing dolls, favorite toys, and pets. 

The parade formed on Whitney and Church Streets, marched 
to Main Street; down Main to Summer; up Summer to School; 
over School to Main; up Main to South; and over South Street 
to Assabet Park, where it disbanded. The May-pole was then 
wound by sixteen children. 

Every precaution was taken for the safety of the children. 
Experienced men volunteered to drive the floats. The route 
of the parade was well policed and guards escorted the pro- 
cession. Not the slightest accident occurred to mar the happi- 
ness of the occasion. 

The following children took part in the parade : 
Olive Johnson Everett Nelson 

Miriam Parmenter Ira Dumont 

May Richardson Gordon Ringold 

Marion Rogers Bailey Brennan 

Esther Bigelow Julian Goddard 

Margaret Walker Walter Stone 

Ruth Le Porte Ubert Zeh 

Bessie Smith Charles Bigelow 

Laura Sparrow Raymond Brady 

Florence Benoit Henry Derosier 

Pearl Bigelow William Felt 

Louise Foster Evy Gauvin 

Charlotte Garfield ' Albert Nelson 

Louise Mosso Elmer Norcross 

Elsie Norcross Harold Rice 

Anna Tilley Douglas Williams 

Lorna Derby Melvin Smith 



440 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



Leona Leland 
Leota Leland 
Marie Parmenter 
Marion Rice 
Ethel Ross 
Bertha Smith 
Katherine Booth 
Catherine Burke 
Gertrude Carey 
Alice Norcross 
Dorothy Stearns 
Marion Zeh 
Dorothy Bailey 
Annie Caskie 
Florence Hatch 
Dorothy Hyde 
Minnie Forbes 
Dorothy Brown 
Viola Bussy 
Josephine O'Brien 
Olive Russell 
Oiva Tikkamer 
Martha Tikkamer 
Agnes St. Germaine 
Dorothy Russell 
Madelaine Bailey 
Ruth Goodale 
Grace Schofield 
Margaret Asquith 
Annie Walker 
Mary Le Porte 
Ella Lawrence 
Theresa Cashin 
Mildred Rice 
Esther Sparrow 
Isabel Sawyer 
Laura Guertin 
Elizabeth Burke 
Florence Mitchell 
Pauline Peinze 
Catherine Woodcock 
Helen Fredericks 
Margaret McGrath 
Mary Phelps 
Narair Kazarian 
Bernice Asquith 



Charles Bruso 
Clifford Bussy 
Benjamin Carey 
Gordon Crossley 
Donald Derby 
James Duffy 
Charles Ellsworth 
Stanley Fiske 
Eric Holdsworth 
Philip Kimball 
John O'Brien 
Francis Carey 
Goodwin Duffy 
Luther Eldredge 
Francis James 
John Maxwell 
Roland Mosso 
Donald Nichols 
Willard Poland 
Ernest Guertin 
Frank Forbes 
Harvey Sargent 
Ernest Derosier 
Lloyd Warren 
Robert Nelson 
Charles O'Brien 
Albert O'Brien 
Edwin Proctor 
David Proctor 
Richard Fiske 
William Le Porte 
Thomas Brady 
Richard Kimball 
James Painton 
Henry Schutte 
Arthur Gauvin 
William Connors 
Vernon Bigelow 
Robert Frazer 
Charles Zeh 
Russell Tilley 
Thomas Cobb 
Albert Burke 
William Rice 
Frank Krause 
Chester Warren 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 441 

Olive Brown Chesterfield Fiske 

Allen Johnson Harold Sargent 

Helen Kelliher Francis Goddard 

Irene Kelliher Howard Shattuck 

Elizabeth Walker Nathan Brennan 

Hilda Sawyer Robert Proctor 

Annie Rice Kenneth Painter 

Lillian Norcross Carroll Blakely 

Thelma Spear Charles Booth 

Ethelyn Carbrey Philip Booth 

Mildred Sweet Paul Booth 

Virginia Schutte John Potter Eames 

Hannah King Paul Parmenter 

Lola King Melvin Painton 

Clarence Walker Calvin Hyde 

Edward Nelson Cedric Valentine 



ATHLETIC EVENTS 

The Committee appointed by the General Committee met at 
Historical Hall, May 25, 1916, and organized as follows: 

President, Fred A. Leonard; Treasurer, Marjorie M. 
Corey; Secreatry, William H. Casey. 

Other members of the Committee were William B Walker, 
O. Elmer Eldridge, Fannie M. Bemis. 

After several meetings at which the subject of prizes and 
programme were discussed, the following officers of the Athletic 
Meet were appointed: starter, William B. Walker; referee, James 
J. Burke; announcer, George S. LaPorte; inspectors, Frank W. 
Eames, D. Leo Sullivan; custodian of prizes, Fred A Leonard; 
judges, Walter H. Gleason, Thomas W. Humphrey, Edward A. 
Logan, and Ralph W Fiske; timers, Thomas J. Canty, FVederick 
W. Porter, H. W. Smith; clerk of course, Edras J. Trudeau; 
chief field judge, Ezra H. Bigelow; field judges, Hermon L. 
Sparrow, Allison L Duplissis, O. Elmer Eldridge; measurers, 
William E. Wadsworth, Frank St. Onge; scorers, Fannie M. 
Bemis, Edward L. Eldridge; press, Herbert G. Bruso. 



442 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

PROGRAM OF EVENTS 

ATHLETIC CARNIVAL 

To be given by the Town of Northborough, Mass. 
in connection with the 

ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY 
Wednesday and Thursday, August 16th and 17th, 1916 

One Hundred and Two Prizes to be Awarded. Games at 10 
o'clock each day 

Wednesday 

Events for girls: seventy-five-yard dash; forty-yard dash. 
Girls under fourteen: forty-yard dash. Girls under 10: Potato 
race; hoop race; obstacle race. 

Events for boys under fourteen : seventy-five-yard dash ; forty- 
yard dash; three-legged race; sack race; leap frog race; running 
high jump; running broad jump; standing broad jump. 

Special event (open) : seventy-five yard dash for girls. 

Thursday 

Events for men: one hundred-yard dash; two hundred and 
twenty-yard dash, four hundred and forty -yard run ; eight hundred 
and eighty-yard run; mile run; five-mile run; running high 
jump; running broad jump; standing broad jump; pole vault; 
shot put. 

Events for boys over fourteen: one hundred-yard dash; two 
hundred and twenty-yard dash; three-legged race; running 
high jump; running broad jump; standing broad jump. 

Special events open to men: one hundred-yard dash; two 
hundred and twenty-yard dash; five mile run. 

The track events started at the junction of Gale and South 
Streets and were run over the various streets of the town to the 
starting point. 

The field events were carried out on Assabet Park on land 
especially prepared, at the southeast corner of the park. 

Both the track and field events were sanctioned by the 
NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF THE AMATEUR 
ATHLETIC UNION and were conducted according to the rules 
and regulations of the Union. 

The weather on August 16 and 17, 1916, was ideal for these 
athletic contests The various events were run off on schedule 
time and were much enjoyed by the crowds of people present. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 443 

AWARD OF PRIZES 

The award of prizes was as follows: 

Forty-yard dash for boys under ten years, won by William 
LaPorte; Walter Derosier, second; Chesterfield Fiske, third. 
Time, six and one-quarter seconds. Prizes: first, gold bronze 
medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar and 
white ribbon. 

Forty-yard dash for girls under ten years, won by Elizabeth 
Walker; Helen Lane, second; Elizabeth Burke, third. Time 
seven and two-fifths seconds Prizes: first, gold bronze medal; 
second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar and white 
ribbon. 

Forty-yard dash for girls under fourteen years (open), won 
by Priscilla Chestenay; Margaret Walker, second; Martha 
Tikkamer, third. Time six and one-fifth seconds. Prizes: 
first, gold bronze medal; second gold bar and red ribbon; third, 
gold bar and white ribbon. 

Three-legged race, forty-yards for boys under fourteen years, 
won by Harold Rice and Henry Derosier; William Rice and 
Walter Derosier, second; Bailey Brennan, and Charles Zeh, 
third. Time, eight and three-fifths seconds Prizes: first, 
gold bronze medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, 
gold bar and white ribbon. 

Hoop race, seventy-five yards for girls, won by Priscilla 
Chestenay; Margaret Walker, second; Elizabeth Walker, third. 
Time, sixteen and two-fifths seconds Prizes: first, gold bronze 
medal, second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar and 
white ribbon. 

Sack race, seventy-five yards for boys under fourteen years, 
won by Harold Rice; Henry Derosier, second; Arthur Leland, 
third. Time nineteen and one-fifth seconds. Prizes: first, 
gold bronze medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, 
gold bar and white ribbon. 

Seventy-five-yard dash for girls (local), won by Elizabeth 
Walker; Grace Schofield, second; Elizabeth Burke, third. Time 
twelve and four-fifths seconds. Prizes: first, gold bronze medal; 
second, gold bar and red ribbon ; third, gold bar and white ribbon. 

Leap-frog race, seventy-five yards for boys under fourteen 
years, won by Nelson Phillips and William LaPorte; Walter 
and Henry Derosier, second; Bailey Brennan and Charles Zeh, 
third. Time, thirty-seven seconds Prizes: first, gold bronze 
medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar and 
white ribbon. 



444 NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 

Seventy-five-yard dash for boys under fourteen years: won 
by Arthur Leland; Ovide Lanois, second; Harold Rice, third. 
Time, ten and two-fifths seconds. Prizes: first, gold bronze 
medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar and 
white ribbon. 

Seventy-five-yard dash for girls (open), won by Hilda 
Lane; Elizabeth Walker, second; Priscilla Chestenay, third; 
Time twelve and two-fifths seconds. Prizes: first, gold 
bronze medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar 
and white ribbon. 

Forty-yard dash for boys under fourteen years (open), won 
by Charles McDonald, Westborough; Joseph Coughlin, second; 
James Whittall, Worcester, third. Time, six and two-fifths 
seconds. Prizes: first, gold bronze medal; second, gold bar and 
red ribbon; third, gold bar and white ribbon. 

Field Events 

Potato race for girls, won by Margaret Walker; Elizabeth 
Walker, second; Helen Lane, third. Time, one minute, five 
seconds. Prizes: first, gold bronze medal; second, gold bar 
and red ribbon; third, gold bar and white ribbon. 

Standing broad jump, for boys under fourteen years, won by 
Arthur Leland; Henry Derosier, second; Harold Rice, third. 
Distance, seven feet, one inch. Prizes: first, gold bronze 
medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar and 
white ribbon 

Running broad jump, for boys under fourteen years, won by 
Arthur Leland; Harold Rice, second; Henry Derosier, third. 
Distance, thirteen feet, six inches Prizes: first, gold bronze 
medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar and 
white ribbon. 

Running high jump for boys under fourteen years, won by 
Arthur Leland; Nelson Philips, second; Harold Rice, third. 
Height, three feet, six and one-half inches. Prizes: first, gold 
bronze medal; second, gold bar and red ribbon; third, gold bar 
and white ribbon. 

Obstacle race for girls — no entries — cancelled. 

On the afternoon of the sixteenth at three-thirty there was a 
game of baseball between the "ALLSTARS" of Northborough 
(an improvised team) and the Denholm and McKay team of 
Worcester. The playing in many instances was brilliant and 
resulted after eleven innings in a victory for the Northborough 
team, administering to their opponents their first defeat of the 
season. As this was the first and last appearance of the "ALL- 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 445 

STARS" it may be readily seen that their season was a remark- 
ably successful one. 

Score: Northborough 3, Worcester 2; 11 innings. 
The lineup of the two teams was as follows: 
Northborough Allstars Denholm and McKay 

Brown, 2nd Cairns, SS 

H. Ellsworth, 3rd Soloman, LF 

Chapdelaine, LF" Blow, 3rd 

Eager, SS Lameraux, CF 

Rhodes, RF Cotton, RF 

Walker, 1st Taylor, 1st 

Bannister, CF Smith, 2nd 

Cole, C Lanois, C 

Bennett, P Ryan, P 

Umpire, Geo. A. Martin, Worcester 

EXERCISES AT ASSABET PARK, AT 2 P. M. 

Introductory remarks of George A. Brigham, as presiding 
officer at the exercises in Assabet Park on the afternoon of August 
16, 1916, the first day of Northborough's one hundred and 
fiftieth anniversary celebration. 

''Ladies and Gentlemen: — I am glad, on this first day of our 
celebration to see such a large number of people present, thus 
showing your interest in the one hundred and fiftieth anni- 
versary of our town. This is Old Home Day, and we come 
together today in the capacity of citizens, resident, and non- 
resident. Very few present today remember or took part in the 
one hundredth anniversary, which the town celebrated fifty 
years ago, and a good many of the families prominent in town 
at that time are probably without representation here today. 
Your committee has found in its correspondence with many 
former residents of the town a strong interest in the old home 
town, and a desire to participate in its one hundred and fiftieth 
anniversary celebration. There have gone out from families 
in Northborough from time to time, men and women who have 
become prominent in all walks of life. Some of them, without 
any training except that given them in the Northborough schools, 
have proved that the opportunities for education in Northborough 
were more than the average in a country town. The churches 
have been strong in their moral influence in this community, 
and it seems to me that the pastors have been men of more than 
usual ability, located in a town of this size. This influence, it 
seems to me, has had a marked effect on the quality of citizens the 
town has turned out. 



446 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"Among other professional men, that in my opinion have been 
influential in the life of the community were: Samuel Clarke, 
town lawyer, town treasurer, and selectman for many years; a 
man of sterling character and unquestioned integrity; Doctor 
Henry J. Barnes, a man who enjoyed a very large practice both 
in Northborough and the surrounding towns. This was before 
the day of the automobile, and it required three or four horses 
to cover his practice. His two-wheeled gig and his pleasant 
face were a familiar sight on the streets of the town for a good 
many years. Doctors Henry A. Jewett and Joshua J. Johnson, 
with Dr. Barnes enjoyed a large practice and were prominent 
men in the life of the community. 

"Now we have quite a number who have consented to give 
short addresses this afternoon, and so without taking any further 
time I will introduce to you Mr. Hermon L. Sparrow, chairman 
of the Board of Selectmen, who will give the address of welcome. 

MR. SPARROW 

Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: We are gathered 
here today to celebrate the one hundred and fiftieth birthday 
of our Town of Northborough; and I, in behalf of the officers of 
the town extend to you all a hearty welcome." 

Mr. Brigham: 

"The clergymen of Northborough have always had a very 
important part in the making of the town's history. Dr. Allen, 
it will be remembered, was the historian at the town anniversary 
fifty years ago, and was for a long time prominently identified 
with the history of the town. Many other clergymen have 
shown their interest in many different ways. We have present 
with us today one, who for seven years as pastor of the Baptist 
Church was very active and efficient in his interest for the 
welfare of the town. He was one of the founders of the Histori- 
cal Society, which for nearly ten years has been gathering and 
preserving much valuable material of great interest to the 
town. 

"I take great pleasure in introducing to you as our first speaker 
this afternoon, Rev. Charles Stanley Pease, of Conway, formerly 
pastor (1903-10) of the Northborough Baptist Church. 

THE FAY FAMILY IN NORTHBOROUGH 
Mr. Pease said: 

"My mother, whose maiden name was Rowena Fay, was a 
direct descendant through paternal ancestors from Gershom 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 447 

Fay, the early settler in Northborough. For this reason as well 
as for many others, I shall always feel a peculiar interest in the 
town, and I am proud to speak on this occasion as a representa- 
tive of my mother's family. 

"Gershom and Mary (Brigham) Fay began married life 
about 1702 on the farm now owned by Mr. Theodore Woodward. 
Mrs. Fay's sister, Sarah, married Samuel Goodenow, Jr., and 
lived not far away on the Marlborough road by Stirrup Brook. 
The Goodenow home was fortified as a place of refuge for the 
sparsely settled neighborhood in case of attack by Indians. I 
need not dwell upon the thrilling and tragic incidents associated 
with this spot. Every child in school has heard about the 
Indian attack in 1707, the killing of Mary Goodenow, and the 
heroic defense of Mrs. Gershom Fay. 

"In 1714 Mr. and Mrs. Fay removed to a location about a mile 
west of the present village of Northborough. The site of this 
second home is still plainly marked by a cellar place and a giant 
elm of over a century's growth. Here Gershom Fay died in 1720, 
leaving four sons and three daughters. In the course of time 
the farm of many acres was divided among the children who, in 
turn added to their possessions by purchase until practically all 
of the land lying between the church green and Ball Hill was 
owned by the Fays. Gershom, Jr., the eldest son, lived on 
the farm now owned by Chandler Rice. Silas, the second son, 
lived on the farm now owned by Thornton Mentzer. Timothy 
had what is now the Allen farm, while Paul, the youngest, in- 
herited the old homestead. Asa Fay, a son of Paul, built a new 
house about 1795, a little nearer to the village, and this house 
somewhat enlarged, is still standing. The farm to which it 
belongs is the original farm of Gershom and Mary Fay. It 
has been occupied successively by five generations of Fays. 

"But the Fays in Northborough were more than land owners. 
Gershom, Sr., was an office holder in the town of Marlborough, 
and also in Westborough, after that town was set off from Marl- 
borough in 1717. His son , Timothy, held about every office within 
the gift of his town as did his grandsons, Thaddeus, and Nahum. 
Nahum Fay was town clerk and chairman of the Board of Select- 
men for forty years continuously. Timothy Fay represented 
this town on the famous Committee of Correspondence at the 
outbreak of the war for independence, and, although sixty 
years of age, enlisted, and took part in the battle of Bunker 
Hill. His older brother, Gershom, Jr., was incapacitated 
by age for army service but contributed four sons and four 
grandsons. Reckoning from Gershom, Sr., and Mary (Brig- 
ham) Fay, two sons, six grandsons, and four great-grandsons 



448 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

were soldiers of the Revolution. In the Civil War this town 
was honorably represented by Lieut. Asa B. Fay and his brother, 
Hiram, also by several others who were descendants of the 
Fays, though of different name. 

"In education the Fays have been leaders. Thaddeus was 
one of the promoters and largest contributors for the old Semi- 
nary established in this town in 1779. Nahum Fay, his cousin, 
was a public school teacher for forty years, and two of Nahum's 
sons followed the same profession. Rev. Barnabas M. Fay, a 
grandson of Nahum was a noted teacher in his day, closing his 
life's work as the founder and principal of an institution for the 
deaf and blind in the state of Michigan. 

"The religious influence of the family has been felt from the 
beginning. Gershom, Sr., was identified with the church in 
Marlborough before Westborough was incorporated, and at the 
time of his death in 1720 was serving as one of the building 
committee for the new church in Westborough. His heroic 
wife left at his death with seven children, the oldest but seventeen, 
receives her highest tribute in the character of these children. 
Dr. Joseph Allen in his sermon at the centennial of the North- 
borough Church made particular mention of the four sons of 
Gershom and Mary Fay as being active members at the time 
of its formation. When the present Congregational Church was 
organized in 1832, Asa Fay donated land for the meeting house 
at the corner of Church and Pleasant Streets. His brother 
Nahum became the first deacon, and Rev. Samuel A. Fay, a 
grandson of Deacon Nahum, became the first pastor. Of the 
direct descendants of Gershom and Mary Fay, the pioneer 
settlers, six of the name of Fay became ordained ministers. 

"This, in merest outline, is the story of the old Fay family in 
Northborough. Of all their broad acres not a farm is now 
owned by a Fay. Only one descendant of this name now lives 
in your town — your honored citizen Lieut. Asa B. Fay. This 
numerous and influential family is likely to be identified in local 
annals chiefly with the beginnings of the community's life. 
But it is because they and such as they have lived that we have 
so much wherein to rejoice today." 

Mr. Brigham: 

"Another clergyman who served the Congregational Church 
about the same length of time that Mr. Pease served the Baptist, 
and a man who, by his interest, his word, and by his work was 
always ready to aid every good cause in the interest of the 
town was the Rev. Albert D. Smith, of Milton. Mr. Smith was 
a man of a very humorous disposition and your presiding ofificer 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 449 

remembers receiving a line through the mail from Mr. Smith, 
thanking him for a small gift to the effect that he was like the 
man, who, upon receiving a bottle of brandied cherries from a 
friend said that while he liked the cherries very much, he appre- 
ciated still more the 'spirit in which they were sent!' " 

REV. A. D. SMITH 

"I never had so much pride in Northborough and my connec- 
tion with it as I have had today. I never saw it look so beautiful 
before. Every lawn is shorn, all premises are neat and trim, 
every house is decorated. All the men are as nicely shorn and 
shaven as the lawns. Even the barber told me he had had an 
unusual run of business for the last few days and expected a 
slack time when the celebration was over. Every part of 
the celebration has been a success up to the present moment, 
and it seems that there is nothing needed that has not been 
anticipated and provided for. A wonderful spirit of good-will 
and cordiality is all-pervasive. 

"It is all a testimony to the power there is in unity. This 
has been brought about only because differences have been 
forgotten, and all have worked heartily together to the honor 
of the town. It is just an earnest of what can be done in towns 
like this when people will work together in unity. 

" It does not seem to me a mere happening or the conventional 
thing that the flag and bunting figure so largely in the decorations. 
There is a greater unity than that of the workers of the town, a 
unity of which the town is a part. We are proud to be a part of 
the grand Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and prouder to be a 
part of our great country, the United States of America. So 
above and beyond all else, we place the banner of our country, 
honoring in our town celebration our state and our nation. 

"I am glad and proud to be present at this time, and to have 
by the courtesy of your committee a part in this observance; 
and I see in its success and the factors which have made that 
success not only possible but actual, a prophecy of excellent 
things for the future of Northborough." 

Mr. Brigham: 

"Another former pastor of the Congregational Church, a man 
who by his kindly disposition and his interest in all the residents 
of the town, regardless of church affiliation, and who, when he 
left the town, was missed not only by his own parish but by the 
whole community was Rev. Edwin L. Chute, now of Paxton. 



450 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Mr. Chute is present with us this afternoon and has consented 
to say a few words at this time." 

(Mr. Chute's address was not written and therefore cannot 
be reproduced.) 

Mr. Brigham: 

"The one whom I shall introduce as our next speaker is at 
the present time pastor of a church that represents a large part 
of our town's population, and while he has been here but a 
short time he has shown an interest in everything that makes 
for good citizenship. Rev. James A. Hurley, of Saint Rose's 
Catholic Church will now address you." 

REV. JAMES A. HURLEY 
Rector of St. Rose's Catholic Church 

"Having been a resident of Northborough for a comparatively 
brief period, I presume that I have been called upon as the 
leader of the local Catholic community to be the spokesman 
for members of the Catholic Church, who have settled here, 
particularly during the last fifty years. Speaking personally, 
I must describe my stay in Northborough for the passing four 
years as most agreeable, marked by good-will and kindness in 
every direction. So taking it for granted that my experience 
is not exceptional, I make bold to bring a word of felicitation 
in behalf of all members of St. Rose's Church locally resident or 
elsewhere located at present as loyal upholders of Northborough 
— old home. As pastor of St. Rose's, and representative of the 
Mother Church, newest in Northborough, oldest in the Christian 
world — I wish also to say a pregnant word. 

"Doubtless had a Catholic priest appeared on the slope of 
Assabet one hundred and fifty years ago, he would have had 
less welcome than the native Indian. At that time, there were 
fewer Catholics by several hundred in the state of Massa- 
chusetts than there are in Northborough today, and North- 
borough is one of the least populous Catholic parishes in the 
State. In the whole British Colony of North America, except- 
ing Quebec recently added by conquest, there were only some 
thousands of Catholics. Today they number more than one 
half of Massachusetts' 3,700,000 population. We Catholics do 
not stand on numbers but we are ready and equipped to maintain 
the best Massachusetts tradition and high quality of citizenship. 
That tradition and quality are founded on a discipline of obedi- 
ence to law and legitimate authority, on unswerving reverence 
for the maintenance and increase of the family, high-graded in 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 451 

moral and physical power. No institution in the world is better 
qualified and endowed to go along and guide this Commonwealth 
in all loyalty and devotion than the Catholic Church. Standing 
steadily upon past greatness, we as Catholics look forward for 
an even more glorious Massachusetts of the future." 

Mr. Brigham: 

"I believe this completes the list of clergymen with us who are 
listed as speakers this afternoon. In its early history North- 
borough had several families who became prominent not only in 
the state but in the nation. It may not be known to everyone 
present today that Northborough furnished a Governor for this 
Commonwealth. Gov. John Davis, often referred to as 'Honest' 
John Davis, served as Governor in 1834-35. The Davis 
family were always prominent in the affairs of Northborough, 
filling from time to time all the public offices with credit to 
the family name. We have with us a member of this family; 
a man, who, by his education and business associations has come 
in contact with and made friends with prominent men, not only 
in this country but also in Europe. I take great pleasure in 
introducing to you Mr. George D. Davis, of Newton, who will 
speak to you on the Davis family." 



GEORGE D. DAVIS 

''Mr. Chairman: I wish to extend to all citizens of this, my 
native town my congratulations upon the splendidly broad public 
spirit they have shown in preparing the celebration of this day. 
Your committee have, apparently, arranged for the support for 
this occasion of our old friend Probabilities and, surely, he has 
proved true to his obligations, for who could ask for more 
perfect climatic conditions. 

"I congratulate the gentlemen who have preceded me in 
addressing you for they, each and several, were handicapped by 
the fact that they were no more than stepsons or sons-in- law of 
Northborough. However, they did their best under the cir- 
cumstances and, certainly their best was good. Somewhere 
about three score years ago the stork left at a house on the south 
side of yonder hill, in the rapidly increasing family of one 
James and Lucy M. Davis, a third son to whom they gave the 
name of George, which happening was communicated to the 
then Town Clerk who proceeded to make a record of the momen- 
tous event. Just prior to my starting on my last trip over the 
water, it occurred to me, that some curious official might meet 



452 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

me on the frontier of his country and insist upon knowing, not 
only of what country I was a citizen but, in what country I was 
born. I therefore asked my old school-fellow, Noah Wads- 
worth, to procure for me a certified copy of the record of my 
birth and that document I hold in my hand as official evidence 
that I am a genuine Northborian. 

"Many of you, my friends, have been told by your parents 
that you were born in Northborough and, having faith in the 
integrity of your forebears you believe that such was the case, 
but, seriously, how many of you have the slightest evidence that 
would be accepted by a judge to prove the place or date of your 
birth? You unfortunates can have not the remotest conception 
of the satisfaction I feel now that I know not only where I was 
born but also the names of both of my parents. 

"But, joking aside, we know that Northborough was placed 
upon the map no less than a century and a half ago. What has 
kept it on the map during all the intervening years? It was 
not your beautifully rolling country and fertile fields. It was 
not this rugged old hill that we all, perhaps unconsciously, 
love, whose summit is often up among the clouds and upon 
whose side old Dr. Allen with his band of Washingtonians some 
seventy years ago emptied a rum barrel. It was the character, 
the integrity and the diligence of the men and women who 
have lived upon the land and have brought up their generally 
large families. It then, naturally follows, my friends, that 
both the responsibility and duty of not merely keeping the 
reputation of this town at its present level but to make it 
year by year a more desirable place of residence rests squarely 
upon your shoulders. 

"Whenever I visit the old town and see so many faces that 
are unfamiliar to me a feeling of regret possesses me that I am 
not able to pass the time of day and give a handshake to those 
splendid men and women I knew so well when I was a boy. 
Practically all of them lie over there in God's acre. All, as far 
as I know, lie there save one dear old lady who taught me my 
catechism half a century ago. As she approaches her century, 
she sits at a nearby window with a smile and a pleasant word 
for everyone that she ever knew — a veritable benediction to all. 

"I knew but slightly those that lived in the northern and 
eastern portions of Northborough, while those that lived in the 
central and southern portions I knew well, and a feeling of deep 
regret comes over me when I find those who are strangers to me 
occupying the former homes of my old friends. 

"Do you, my schoolfellows, realize the changes that have 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 453 

taken place during the past half century? Note some of these 
changes: 

"Starting up Straw Hollow way there was our old friend, 
George Williams and his family. Do you not recall the Ball 
family, three of whose sons became well-known professional 
musicians? Going up the valley we find today, as I am told, 
the descendants of the Brigham and Mentzer families that we 
once knew. Coming eastward were the Lincoln, the Bartlett 
and the Fay families, and as we proceed we come upon the home 
of everyone's friend, old Parson Allen who, upon a mere pittance 
in the way of a salary, eked out by the profit derived from 
keeping a private school, brought up four sons and three 
daughters. All of these sons were college educated and all 
became men of note and of distinguished ability. Then, still 
moving eastward, we come upon Wilder and Warren Bush, John 
Stone, Dexter Bartlett, the genial, and crossing the railway 
tracks we find the 'effervescent' Charles Rice and the patriarchal 
Captain Anson and John Rice. There was young Cyrus Gale, 
and how well we remember Doctor Barnes, the one who, I well 
remember, drove in his single-seated chaise, and to whom I never 
dared to speak. Over the way was the home of Captain Gale, 
adjoining which was that of Abraham Seaver, and further along 
the homes of Samuel Wood and Squire Clark, and uncle Thad 
Mason, while again over the way were the homes of Dr. Jewett 
and Milo Hildreth. There were many other townsmen whose 
names and faces I well remember, but time will permit only 
the mention of a portion of their names. There were Charles and 
Cyrus Potter, George Valentine, Nathaniel Brigham, George 
Barnes, George C. Davis, Charles and Fred Brigham, Jonas 
Hastings, Zebadiah Adams, and Horace Batchelor, John Craw- 
ford, town clerk for many years, and Hezekiah Crosby and others, 
while on the main road to Worcester was Tyler Harrington and 
others. With but very few exceptions none of those I have 
named have left as residents of Northborough any male descend- 
ant by whom to perpetuate their name, and, as far as I have 
been able to ascertain, even these few exceptions have no sons. 

"There was at one time no less than forty-two members of 
my branch of the Davis family living in Northborough. Today 
there is not one person, save one lady whose mother was born; a 
Davis, has one drop of Davis blood in his veins. I am not 
familiar with the genealogy of any of the families I have 
mentioned except that of my own, and that of Parson Allen, 
who were my mother's near relatives. 

"In the year 1895, Horace Davis, the youngest son of Governor 
John Davis, published a genealogy of the Northborough branch 



454 NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 

of the Davis family. For several years, both previous and 
subsequent to the date of this publication, I devoted much of 
my time to researches among the Davises. In the year 1908, my 
cousin, John Davis Estabrook, who at that time owned and 
occupied the house built by George C. Davis, published further 
particulars of the Davises. From these two publications and 
from the result of my personal researches, I have gathered certain 
data concerning the Northborough family which I submit for 
your information. 

"In the year 1781, but fifteen years after this town was incor- 
porated, a young man whose name was Isaac Davis purchased 
what was at that time known as the Tomlin place on Milk 
Porridge Plain in the southern part of this town. Here he 
started the business of tanning leather and continued to increase 
his already existing family of four boys. This business he and his 
descendants continued for nearly one hundred years. I suspect 
that this business must have been a profitable one for, while 
Parson Allen in one of his historical sketches stated that the 
business in leather amounted to as much as twenty thousand 
dollars, annually, my grandfather, one of the sons of this Isaac, 
died some seventy five years ago, leaving to his eleven sons and 
daughters something over one hundred thousand dollars. 

"Isaac Davis represented Northborough in the State legisla- 
ture for twelve years. In the year 1786 his constituents, after 
they had chosen him as a delegate to a political convention, 
instructed him to see first, that the court of Common Pleas 
be abolished and — second, that the whole body of lawyers be 
annihilated. I have no scruples in telling you that Isaac Davis 
did not succeed in carrying out his instructions. 

"Of the sons of Isaac, the eldest two, Phineas and Joseph, 
joined and latterly succeeded to the business of their father 
which, during the middle period of Isaac's life, included the 
manufacture of boots and shoes. 

"Phineas built the house in which his daughter, Mrs. Wells, 
lived and died. Phineas was the father of eleven children, one 
of whom was Isaac Davis, who was the Mayor of Worcester, 
and a prominent banker in that city for many years. 

"Another son of Isaac was himself Isaac, who, for a time, 
resided elsewhere than in Northborough, but who returned and, 
with the assistance of his brothers, Phineas and Joseph, con- 
structed a cotton-mill on the Assabet river. Later this mill was 
sold to the Northborough Cotton Manufacuring Company. 
Soon thereafter, Isaac and his brothers built and operated a 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 455 

cotton-mill further down the river where now is the village of 
Chapinville. 

"Still another son of the original Isaac was Joseph who was 
my grandfather. He was colonel of a regiment of militia that 
drilled annually on the muster field, that large field on the left 
side of the Westborough road just before one crosses the so-called 
Cobb Bridge. For this regiment old Parson Allen served as 
chaplain. Colonel Davis served the town both as representa- 
tive to the General Court and as senator. He married Lydia 
Ball of Northborough and by her he had nine children, while by 
his second wife he had two children. 

"One of his sons was George C. Davis who for many years was 
the president of the Northborough Bank; was a trustee of the 
State Reform School, and filled with credit many other posts of 
responsibility. 

"The fifth son of Isaac was John who became a lawyer and 
practiced his profession in Worcester. At an early age he 
entered political life in which he made a record that, it is probable 
has never been duplicated in the entire State of Massachusetts, 
for John Davis, who was almost universally known as "Honest 
John," was for four terms the Governor of this Commonwealth; 
he served three terms as senator of the United States and was a 
colleague of Daniel Webster, and pronounced his eulogy in 
the senate chamber; further, he was for five terms a repre- 
sentative in Congress. 

"Ex-vice-president Hamlin once said to me upon the occa- 
sion of our dining together in London, 'I sat for many years 
beside John Davis of Massachusetts in the Senate of the United 
States and I knew him intimately. He was not a brilliant man, 
but he had an uncommon amount of good sense, and although 
he did not often address the Senate, when he did rise to speak the 
senators listened and rarely did one depart for the cloak room.' 

"John Davis's son, John C. B. Davis, acted as secretary of the 
Geneva Alabama Claim Commission. He was minister of the 
United States to Germany. He was Assistant Secretary of 
State of the United States and for many years acted as a judge 
of the Court of Claims in Washington as did his nephew who was 
still another John. So this, then is a skeleton sketch of some mat- 
ters that concerns the Northborough Branch of the Davis family. 

"It was my hope that there were others here present who would 
tell us something that their forebears had contributed to the 
prosperity and welfare of the town, but, as far as I can discern, 
I am the only genuine son that is expected to speak to you this 
afternoon. 



456 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

"It is our privilege as Northborians to obtain such satisfaction 
as is possible from the fact that there have lived within the 
limits of the town so many men and women of marked ability 
and strength of character the impress of whose lives appear all 
about us. 

"Let the memory of those lives be an incentive to those of us 
who love the old town, not only to maintain but to enhance its 
reputation in every way open to us. 

"My grandfather was born in Northborough. My father was 
born in Northborough, and I was born in Northborough. I 
wish my children had been born in Northborough. 

"I have, during the past forty years, enjoyed the wonderful 
scenery and works of art of many countries. I have met and 
have known well, men and women of many nationalities and yet, 
strange as it may appear to many of you who have become weary 
of what you regard as the monotony of country life and have 
so much wished for the opportunity to visit foreign countries, it 
is both my wish and expectation that I shall pass the end of my 
days in this, my native town of Northborough." 

Mr. Brigham: 

"Next in importance to the churches in a community like ours 
are the public schools. The schools of Northborough have 
been not only a matter of interest but of considerable pride. 
We have had from time to time teachers who have taken unusual 
interest, not only in school management, but in all affairs which 
concerned town welfare. Prominent among these was Mr. 
Robert I. Bramhall, who was principal of our high school several 
years; now superintendent of schools in Holden, Paxton, and 
several other towns. He became not only a strong friend of the 
scholars, but also a very popular man among the townspeople. 
Mr. Bramhall while here wore no hat a large part of the time, 
but made it apparent to everyone with whom he came in contact, 
that there was something under where the hat ought to be. 
Mr. Bramhall." 

(Mr. Bramhall's address was not written.) 

Mr. Brigham: 

"Doctors as well as clergymen have figured to a considerable 
extent in the making of Northborough's history. Some of us 
heard in a paper read before the Historical Society concerning 
the three Doctors Ball, who were prominent in town affairs 
fifty or more years ago. We have had for more than twenty 
years a doctor as a resident of our town who, while not a local 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 457 

practitioner, has as a specialist in Boston, received a good deal of 
prominence in his line. Dr. John L. Coffin has, for a number 
of years been a trustee of the Westborough Insane Asylum, 
part of this time being chairman of trustees, and in such capacity 
delivered lectures before Medical Societies and other organiza- 
tions throughout the state, thus becoming well known among 
prominent men of the state. 

"Dr. Coffin will now address you." 

(Unfortunately, Dr. Coffin's address was not written and 
hence cannot be reproduced.) 

Mr. Brigham: 

"Nearly thirty years ago there came to Northborough a 
young man who shortly before had received his diploma and 
become a full-fledged M.D. As residents of this town we have 
seen him develop not only to a very prominent place in this 
community but also as a family physician in many homes in 
Worcester County towns; also being called into consultation by 
many prominent physicians throughout the state. Doctor 
Josiah M. Stanley has become not only a medical advisor in the 
families of this town, but is a personal friend of nearly everyone 
in the community. He has also shown a strong spirit of interest 
in town affairs serving as a member of the Business Men's Com- 
mittee which has been a great factor in preparing for this cele- 
bration. His success in his profession has been far above the 
ordinary which is shown by his practice, which exceeds many 
times that of the average country physician. It is with great 
pleasure that I can present Dr. Stanley to you at this time." 

DR. STANLEY 

''Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: The Master of Cere- 
monies has asked me to give a short resume of the Town of 
Northborough as I found it when I came here, and of the changes 
which have since taken place. 

"As a preface to my remarks, I will say that on the morning 
of the 25th of December, 1888, Santa Claus presented me to the 
town of Northborough as a Christmas gift, and through the 
tolerance of her citizens I have remained here. 

"The scenic beauty of the town, with lofty hills to the east 
the north and the west, together with the liberal and hospitable 
character of her people, made a deep and lasting impression 
upon me. 

"At that time (as now) Northborough was a prosperous 



458 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

agricultural and manufacturing town of about two thousand in- 
habitants. Her farmers were chiefly engaged in the production of 
milk for the Boston market. In those days she not only handled 
her own milk but also most of the milk from the adjoining towns, 
thereby becoming quite an important milk-receiving station 
for the city of Boston. I believe that the present C. Brigham 
Milk Company of Boston had its birth in the town of North- 
borough. Later some of her farmers began to specialize in 
market gardening, and still later in floriculture, pony and sheep 
raising. It is interesting to know that many of her young 
farmers are college-bred men. Her industries consisted of 
woolen-mills and shell factories. All of her old manufacturers 
are dead, and their places have been filled by younger men, who 
(in most instances) have gone into new lines of manufacturing, 
so that the relative commerical importance of her industries 
remains about the same. 

"Contrary to the general opinion, Northborough is slowly 
becoming a business town, and the preparation for this anni- 
versary has brought out the fact that we now have between 
sixty and seventy different businesses and trades, many of which 
will be represented in our parade tomorrow. 

"Her merchants likewise have undergone a great change, only 
two of her original ones being now in business. 

"Probably her professional men (which includes ministers, 
lawyers and doctors) have undergone the greatest change of all, 
there being from this whole class only one representativ^e now 
living in the town who was here thirty years ago. A great 
number of ministers and doctors have come and gone in the 
meantime. 

"Her schools have been centralized and placed under the 
supervision of a school superintendent. In order to accomplish 
this centralization a new and modern building was erected for 
the accommodation of the primary and intermediate grades. 
The same high standard of education has been maintained 
throughout, and the height of this standard is best shown by the 
number of brilliant men and women who have been sent out 
from these schools into all walks of life. 

"Her representatives to the General Court have usually been 
very able men, some of whom are still living and with us to-day. 

"The physical features of the town have undergone some 
changes. In addition to the schoolhouse before referred to, a 
public library, known as the Free Library, and a public park, 
known as Assabet Park, have become acquisitions of the 
town. Both the library and the park were donations from 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 459 

Cyrus Gale. Some years ago the metropolitan viaduct which 
connects the great Wachusett reservoir at Clinton with the city 
of Boston was constructed through the northeastern part of 
the town. About the same time trolley line connections with 
Worcester, Marlborough, and Westborough were established. 
And a little later electric lights replaced the old oil lamps on our 
streets. 

"The character of the people, however, haschanged more than 
the town. The old proud, aristocratic and conservative element, 
which much preferred a rural to a manufacturing town, has 
passed away, and in its place a new and progressive type has 
come. Also the old lyceum-trained town-meeting orator has 
gone He was a past master in the science of debate and fought 
many a wordy battle in the town hall at our March meetings, 
much to the amusement of the younger and less capable element. 
He occupies a place in history unique to himself, and looms out of 
the past in vivid contrast with the corresponding class of to-day 
who is much more of a politician than an orator. The whole 
people seem to have lost much of the old-time aristocracy and 
conservatism, and to have acquired a more enterprising spirit, 
with a larger outlook for the business growth of the town. 

"In looking backward over a period of thirty years, we see 
that the old town and her people have materially changed; still, 
neither the beauty of the town nor the hospitable character of her 
people has suffered much in consequence thereof. 

"I am proud to be a citizen of Northborough, and I thank 
you, ladies and gentlemen, for your kind attention, and you, 
Master of Ceremonies, for the opportunity to address them. 

Mr. Brigham: 

"Now we have with us today a man born in Marlborough who 
has always been interested in all affairs connected in any way 
with the welfare of our town. A man who has become deeply 
interested in local family history and who has spent a good deal 
of time tracing the genealogy of the early families of the town. 
And a man of whom I believe it could be truthfully said. He 
knows more about the early history of the early families than 
members of those families themselves.' He was town clerk for a 
number of years and as such showed adaptability to the office, 
found in very few men. The idea of the formation of our local 
Historical Society originated with him and the Rev. J. C. Kent. 
He has been connected with the Manufacturers' Department of 
the United States Census Bureau at Washington for many 
years, and at the present time is entrusted with the management 
of a Very important part of that division. It is with great 



460 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

pleasure that I introduce to you, Mr. Gilman B. Howe of Wash- 
ington and Northborough." 

MR. GILMAN B. HOWE 

''Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen: It certainly gives me 
great pleasure to be with you today, and meet so many of my old 
friends and acquaintances, although I am not a native of North- 
borough. I was born in the town of Marlborough, where many of 
my ancestors were among the earliest settlers of that old town, 
for among them I find the names of Brigham, Rice, Fay, 
Goodenow, Eager, Barnes, Morse, Bigelow, and Howe, the last 
named, being the first settler of the town, so that, I feel that I am 
closely related to many of the old families, who were among the 
early settlers of this part of the old town. Your president has 
asked me to speak a few words concerning the records of this 
town. As some of you know, I have been more than ordinarily 
interested in public records for many years, and especially have 
I been interested in the records of this town, and I endeavored 
during the twelve years that I held the position of town clerk in 
this town, to make those records as complete as possible. It has 
been my privilege during the past twenty-five years, to have 
visited and have access to the public records in a large number of 
cities and towns in this and other states, and I can say that the 
records of this town compare very favorably with those of other 
towns in this state; and right here I want to say that the vital 
records of the cities and towns in the state of Massachusetts are 
the best kept and are the most complete of any state in this 
Union. 

"As some of the speakers who have preceded me, have spoken 
of their ancestors among the early settlers of this town, I would 
like to speak of some of the earlier settlers whose family names 
have now disappeared from our rolls. I refer particularly to some 
of those who came here in the early part of the eighteenth cen- 
tury, of the Scotch-Irish emigration, and of which our early 
town records give but little information. There were a few of those 
Scotch-Irish that made their home in this town. Of these John 
McAllister was the first to come. He came soon after 1720 and 
settled on the farm, afterwards owned and occupied by the late 
Marshall J. Maynard. There he lived and died. From the 
church and probate records, we learn that he had a family 
of twelve children, that he was twice married. His first wife 
died about 1728 or 1729, and he soon after married a Margaret 
Johnson. We do not learn of the exact date of death of either 
him or his wife, but from his will and a codicil attached, the will 
being dated January 6, 1769, and probated March 24, 1769, we 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 461 

learn that both he and his wife died between those dates. Of the 
children, the eldest daughter, Elizabeth, married John Hudson 
and lived in Berlin and Marlborough, and became the grand- 
mother of the late Hon. Charles Hudson of Lexington. All 
of the other children moved to distant places, one son, Isaac, 
moved to Marlborough, N. H.; Samuel moved to Warren, 
Mass.; and another son moved to the western part of the state. 

Another of these families, was that of Samuel Gamwell, who 
came here previous to 1730, and settled on the farm afterwards 
owned by the late George H. Murray. He was three times mar- 
ried, and had a large family, all of whom left town soon after 
the Revolution, one son going to Middlefield and another to 
Chester. He died January 25, 1788, aged 84 years. The families 
of John and William Carruth, were the next to come to this 
town, they came soon after 1730, and settled on the place now 
owned by our esteemed President of the Day. They were weavers 
by trade, and family tradition says they were half-brothers, 
John Carruth married Jemima Russell of Lexington. From the 
Church Records we find that they had a family of eleven children. 
He was one of the original members of the church that was 
organized in 1746, and was prominent in town affairs. His 
eldest son, John, settled on the old homestead, while the rest of 
the children, with the exception of the daughter, Sarah, moved 
from town. James settled in that part of Templeton, now 
Phillipston; Jonas settled in Petersham. Nathan went to 
Brookfield, and was the ancestor of Gen. Sumner Carruth, 
and Judge William Ward Carruth, of Newton. Joisah moved 
to Rutland, Vt., where some of his descendants are now 
living. Ephraim died in the army in the French and Indian 
War, and William died in the army, 1778. 

"William Carruth the half-brother of John, lived in town a 
few years, but in 1745 he moved to Shrewsbury, and lived there a 
few years, and in 1753 he moved to Barre, Mass., where there 
are descendants now living. 

"John Mahan a native of the North of Ireland, came to this 
country about 1750, and settled in Worcester, where he married 
in 1755, Mary Gamwell, daughter of Samuel Gamwell of this 
town. They resided in Worcester where all his children were born, 
but finally three of his children came to this town. His daughter, 
Rebecca, married John Crawford of Boylston, two of his sons, 
Samuel and David came to this town. Samuel married Grace 
Harrington, in 1784 and died here in 1791. His widow married 
for her second husband, Asa Fay, and was the grandmother of 
our esteemed townsman, Asa B. Fay. David Mahan married 
Mary Bigsby, and settled in the north part of the town, where he 



462 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

had a large family. Jane the eldest daughter, married the late 
Elijah Fitch Valentine, of this town, but the family name has 
now disappeared from our town. 

"There is one other family that I would like to speak of that 
has been closely identified with the history of this town since 
1800, and that is the Crawford family. John Crawford probably 
came to this country about 1730 and settled in that part of 
Shrewsbury, now Boylston, on the Falby farm on Ball Hill. 
Again the town records give us but little light. But from other 
records we find that he had a son, William, who married Mary 
Dunsmore of Lancaster, and resided on the old homestead. 
On the breaking out of the Revolution, he like a few of the 
leading citizens of this town, sympathized with the mother 
country and accordingly the town of Shrewsbury ordered that 
his firearms be taken away, and that he be confined to the 
limits of his farm, except on Sundays, when he was allowed to 
attend church. Later he went to the Provinces, where he remained, 
leaving his son, John, with his grandfather, who remained on the 
old homestead. John, the grandson, married Rebecca Mahan and 
lived on the old place, until 1800, when he bought the farm of 
Jonathan Fassett in Northborough, where he lived until his 
death. By his first wife he had four daughters, one of whom 
was the mother of the late John C. Wyman, and another Rebecca, 
was the mother of our fellow-townsman, Walter Valentine. By 
his second wife, he had one son, the late John B. Crawford, who 
was your genial town clerk for thirty-seven years, and was my 
immediate predecessor in that office. 

"I feel that I may have wearied you with my somewhat 
rambling remarks, but I wanted to speak concerning a few of 
the earlier settlers, of whom the early records give so little 
information. I thank you for your kind attention." 

Mr. Brigham: 

"The last speaker of the afternoon is a man who is well known 
to nearly everyone present. A man who for many years as a pro- 
gressive farmer showed his business capacity in the management 
of affairs in nearly all important town offices. He afterward 
represented this district in the Massachusetts Legislature. I take 
pleasure in introducing to you at this time Mr. Guilford P. Heath, 
of Northborough." 

(Mr. Heath's address was not written.) 

WEDNESDAY EVENING 

In the evening a large audience assembled in the town hall to 
listen to an historical address by Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent. Dr. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 463 

John L. Coffin presided in a very felicitous manner, and finally 
introduced Mr. Kent as "one who had the history of the town 
at his finger tips, he having begun to study that history ten 
minutes after he first came to town." 

Mr. Kent spoke for an hour and a half entirely from memory, 
in the course of which he rehearsed in brief, many of the interest- 
ing events of the town's history. 

Mr. Kent's address can not, therefore, be reproduced. 
But it may be said that this present volume is an amplification 
of it.* 

THURSDAY, AUGUST 17 

The second day of the celebration was a continuation of 
the first, so far as the weather was concerned, and both days 
were absolutely perfect. 

The people of Northborough were up early, and the town 
was soon filled with visitors from abroad. It is estimated that 
5,000 strangers were in town by nine o'clock, all eager to see 
the Grand Parade, which had been talked about so long. 

The parade was scheduled to start at 8 o'clock, and it is 
worthy of note that it started "on time." It moved over the 
following route: The following is a copy of printed cards dis- 
tributed beforehand. 



ROUTE OF PARADE 

Celebration of the One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary 
of the Incorporation of the Town of Northborough, Mass. 

August 17th, 1916 

Parade forms (Historical on Church St., Business Men's Floats 
on Pleasant St., and Societies on Howard St. )at 7.30 a.m. Starts 
at 8 o'clock, sharp. Down Church to Main, Main to South, South 
to Summer, Summer to Main, Main to River, River to Hudson, 
down Hudson to Allen, Woodside, up Allen to Main, up Main to 
Town Hall Sq., Point of Disbandment. 

The Parade will consist of Bands, Historical and Civic Floats, 
the Town Fire Engine and Apparatus, and Societies. Forming part 
of this Parade will be the Floats representing the Business Men of 
Northborough, who have at their own expense engaged the Wor- 
cester City Band which will head their section and be retained for 
the benefit of the day's entertainment. 

With the compliments of 
The Business Men of Northborough. 



♦See "Introduction." 



464 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The official reviewing stand was on Noah Wadsworth's 
lawn, opposite the Northborough Bank. 

PARADE FORMATION 

Police 

Grand Marshal, Harry Worcester Smith 

Selectmen on Horseback 

Northborough Band 

First Division — Historical 

Formed on Boylston Street 

Second Division — Fire Department — Boy Scouts 

Formed on the Green at the junction of Boylston and Pleasant 

Streets 

Third Division — Societies — Worcester Drum Corps 

Formed on Howard Street 

Fourth Division — Business Men 

Marshal, Dr. J. M. Stanley 

Worcester City Band 

Formed on Pleasant Street 

Floats 

THE GRAND HISTORICAL AND CIVIC PARADE 

So many compliments on this parade have been received 
that the committee feel justified in using the word "Grand" 
as part of its name. Northborough, which never does things 
by halves, surely did herself proud on this occasion. Seldom 
has a parade of such magnitude been seen in a small town; and 
never, we believe, has a more beautiful one been seen anywhere. 
It was a "float" parade almost wholly, and was a revelation to 
every one who witnessed it. Harry Worcester Smith, of Grafton, 
who marshaled it, wrote the president of the General Committee 
the day after: "The many hours of preparatory work, thought, 
and detail of your committee and the different committees in 
charge of the parade must have been well repaid by the splendid 
turnout. The Telegram has to be patriotic and stand up 
for Worcester, otherwise it would have told the truth by saying 
that it was the best parade ever given in Worcester County, 
Worcester included; and in point of historic revelation, from 
the early days to the present truthfully depicted, I cannot believe 
that in all America has it been surpassed." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 465 

This is high praise; but it comes from one who has had 
large experience in such matters, and who knows a good parade 
when he sees one. 

The Worcester Telegram on the following day devoted much 
space in praise of it; and the Westborough Chronotype dQ^cldiVed it 
to be the "largest and best parade ever seen in any of the smaller 
towns of Worcester County." There were in all, seventy-seven 
floats in the parade and there was not a commonplace one 
among them. The many societies and individual business 
men vied with one another to produce the best float, and their 
combined efforts certainly did produce a parade which for 
beauty and harmony has never been surpassed in these regions. 
For obvious reasons the committee cannot single out special 
floats for particular commendation, but in the description which 
follows they have permitted the managers of all the features 
of the parade to tell their own stories. 

The first section of the parade was naturally the "Historical 
Division." It consisted of nine floats which attempted to 
illustrate the various historical episodes in the history of the 
town. They were placed in the order of their occurrence. 
This division was under the direction of Mr. Kent. Then followed 
the Fire Department, under the direction of Harry F. Carbrey, 
chief engineer. The five pieces of, apparatus were arranged 
chronologically, in the order of their acquisition by the town, 
beginning with the old "Volunteer," the first fire engine the 
town ever owned. Then followed the various societies which 
were also placed chronologically. 

Then came the "Business Men's Division," headed by the 
Worcester City Band. This was the largest division, and 
consisted of fifty-two floats representing that number of business 
enterprises carried on in the town. This was indeed a revela- 
tion, for no one supposed that there were half that number of 
businesses in the town. But the energetic leadership of Dr. 
Josiah M. Stanley (who had charge of this division) brought 
that number to light, and succeeded in interesting them all in 
the enterprise. 

HISTORICAL DIVISION 
Float No. 1. Columbia 
Entered by Wilbur H. Duplissis. 

The float was draped with bunting and ropes of fringed 
paper in the national colors, and was ornamented with flags and 
stars. It was drawn by four large handsome horses (aggre- 
gate weight, 8200 lbs) which, with their fine harnesses, were 
loaned for the occasion by Mr. O. A. Kelly, of Worcester. 



466 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Columbia and the thirteen original states were represented 
by the following young girls, robed in white, with shoulder 
bands bearing the state names, Columbia carrying a large 
silk flag, and her companions, shields: 

Columbia, Faith Duplissis; Massachusetts, Gertrude Picard; 
New Hampshire, Miriam Parmenter ; Rhode Island, Hazel French ; 
Connecticut, Emily Duplissis; New York, Mildred Moore; New 
Jersey, Pearl Bigelow; Pennsylvania, Anna Carlson; Maryland, 
May Richardson; Delaware, Irene Rogers; Virginia, Ruth 
La Porte; North Carolina, Marion Rogers; South Carolina, 
Dorothy Corey; Georgia, Sarah Nelson. 

Float No. 2. John Brighani's Mill 
Entered by the Brigham Family. 
This float was historical in every sense of the word. John 
Brigham (sometimes called "Dr.") was the first settler of North- 
borough. He was of the second generation of Brighams in 
America. A man of many parts, he added to his accomplish- 
ments the art of surveying. In this capacity he rendered 
signal service to the new town of Marlborough; and as a recom- 
pense, the town in 1672 gave him a large tract of land extending 
from the present village of Northborough, westward to the 
Ball Hill Road. This was known as the "Coram Farm." Hudson, 
the historian, says, John Brigham erected a sawmill on Howard's 
Brook, before King Philip's War, in 1675. This mill was 
burned by the Indians within a few years. In 1684, he having 
received a grant of land from the "Plantation of Sudbury," 
moved from Northborough to Sudbury. In the float, John 
Brigham's weather-beaten mill "with its rude flutter wheel" 
was represented surrounded by a growth of pines. John, in 
buckskin suit and cap, was at work in the mill, but constantly 
on the watch for his skulking foe, he often rushed out with his 
old flintlock in time to see savage faces of the Red Men disappear 
among the trees. John Brigham was represented by George A. 
Brigham (of the ninth generation). The Indians were represented 
by Walter G. Brigham and Harold Brigham (of the eleventh 
generation), and by David Brigham (of the twelfth generation). 

Float No. 3. The Thomas Goodenow Garrison 

Entered by the Assabet Club. 

This float represented the Thomas Goodenow Garrison at 

the time of the Indian attack in 1707. Mrs. Fay and Mary 

Goodenow had been out in the fields gathering herbs when they 

were surprised by a band of Indians. They fled to the garrison 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 467 

and Mrs. Fay reached it. But Mary Goodenow being lame, 
was captured and scalped. The Indians then made an attack 
on the garrison. This float represented the attack. The 
characters were represented as follows : Mrs. Fay, Dorothy Wood ; 
Mary Goodenow, Ruth Russell. Indians: William B. Walker, 
chief; Carl W. Eldridge, William A. Ray. The float was driven 
by John Vinton. 

Float No. 4. An Early Settler' s Home 
Entered by the Northborough Historical Society. 
The exhibit presented by the Northborough Historical 
Society represented an early settler's home. It was a log cabin 
with portholes on either side through which any attack upon it 
might be repulsed. In front of the cabin were various household 
implements as follows: An old-fashioned dash churn, an old kettle 
suspended by a tripod, and several old seats. Above the door 
was a large sign, "Early Settlers." The family consisted of Mrs, 
Howard Hildreth and her two children, Lucy and Fanny; 
Helen Ringold and Charles W. Sibley, the latter with his trusty 
gun on his knees ready to defend his little household, if neces- 
sary. They were all dressed in old-fashioned costumes. The 
float was tastefully decorated with evergreen. Driver — John 
Garrity. 

Float No. 5. A Spinning Bee 
Entered by the Lady Foresters. 

This float represented an interesting episode which took 
place in 1769. Two years after the Rev, Peter Whitney settled 
in Northborough the good ladies of the parish took it into their 
heads to give him and his young wife a donation party. The 
donations consisted of wool yarns, linen, sheets, etc. — all of 
their own spinning. The Worcester paper of the time said it 
was the largest quantity of such material that any minister 
of the neighborhood had ever received. This float repre- 
sented this event. 

It was decorated in red, white and blue, and was drawn 
by two bay horses with white feet. It was made to represent 
a room. In one corner was a fireplace, with an old lady sitting 
before it, knitting. Five young ladies dressed in old-fashioned 
costume and with powdered hair were seated about the room 
spinning, knitting, and reading. The float was managed by 
Miss Kate Ellsworth. Those taking part were as follows: Miss 
Mabel McCabe, Miss Katherine Walsh, Miss Maud Ellsworth, 
Miss Kittie Ellsworth, Miss Helen Carbrey, Miss Theresa Cashin, 
and Harold Sargent. Driver — Daniel Ettinger, 



468 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Float No. 6. Old Stage Coach 
Entered by the Northborough Woman's Club. 

This old stage coach represented the old stage-coach days 
and the coach, or stage, which was run for many years between 
Marlborough and Worcester. The coach used was owned by 
Mr. C. T. Sherer, of Worcester, and many people believe it to 
be the original one in which they made their trips to Worcester, 
years ago; but if not the original one it is very much 
like it, and was lettered across the top as the old one used to be: 
"Marlborough, Northborough, Shrewsbury and Worcester." 
Mrs. Thornton E. Mentzer, chairman of the committee chosen 
by the Woman's Club, knowing of this coach, hired it for this 
occasion. It was driven by Mr. Henry Blakely, assisted by 
Mr. Charles Bigelow, and Mr. Fred French. It was drawn by 
four buff horses belonging to Mr. Everett Mentzer and Mr. 
Charles Bigelow. 

The passengers who rode inside the coach were Miss Emma A. 
Barnes, Miss Emma L. Randlett, Mrs. William F. Gilbert, Mrs. 
Rufus Adams, Mrs. George H. Felt, Mrs. William S. Phillips. 
Those who rode on top were Mrs. George E. Armour, Mrs. 
Moses Marshall, and Mrs. Thornton E. Mentzer. All these 
ladies, members of the Northborough Woman's Club, were 
dressed in old-fashioned costumes, as were also the drivers. 
Two small boys, Carol Blakely and Vernon Bigelow were 
delighted with the privilege of riding part of the way (they were 
sons of the drivers). 

This coach attracted much attention. It was purchased a 
few days later and presented to the Northborough Historical 
Society. 

Float No. 7. Sewing Straw 
Entered by the Woman's Relief Corps. 
The historic event which this float represented concerns 
itself with the formation of the "Young Ladies' Library" in 1817. 
This library was one of the predecessors of the present Northbor- 
ough Free Library. To obtain money for the founding of this 
library the young ladies of the parish were accustomed to meet 
once a week and sew straw. This float represented that practice. 
It was tastefully decorated with the national colors and ground 
hemlock. It bore a banner embordered with twisted ropes of 
red, white and blue, on which were the dates "1886-1916," the 
former being the date of organization of the Woman's Relief 
Corps. It was in charge of Mrs. Hattie M. Warren and Miss 
L. Josephine Corey. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 469 

Those who rode in the float were Mrs. Mary Bailey, Mrs. 
Hattie Wood, Mrs. Rosa Warren, and Mrs. Lydia Leighton, 
all of whom were dressed in old-time costumes. The driver was 
George Newton. 

Float No. 8. The Old Oaken Bucket 
Entered by the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. 

This float was quite a novelty. It represented a large well 
and well-sweep and was tastefully decorated with temperance 
banners. The ladies were prepared to serve ice-cold water to 
the people along the route of the parade. It was under the 
direction of Mrs. Fannie Howe Hildreth and Mrs. Wilhelmma 
Peterson, who were assisted by two girls, Margaret Walker 
and Isabel Sawyer. Frank Foster, driver. 

A great disappointment befell two other girls who had 
made all arrangements to assist— Deborah Hildreth and Frances 
L. Fisher. "Mumps" visited them at an inopportune moment 
and put a veto upon their youthful enthusiasm. They were 
able to see the celebration (from afar) but were not permitted 
to take part in it. 

Float No. 9. Agricultural Implements of Ye Olden Time 
Entered by the Northborough Grange. 

This float was as unique as it was instructive. Contrasted 
with the implements of our modern time, it showed the wonderful 
progress of agriculture since the days of our fathers. It con- 
sisted of a two- wheel hay cart drawn by oxen, and was decorated 
in a very rustic manner. In the cart were many agricultural 
implements of ye olden time, among which were a wooden 
mold board plow, a spike tooth, a harrow, a grain cradle, 
a scythe, a dash churn, and many other things. 

The oxen were loaned by Elmer Cofi^een, superintendent of 
the Lyman School; the cart and some of the implements, by 
Thornton E. Mentzer. The driver, Chester E. Hildreth, was 
picturesquely dressed in antique costume. It is interesting 
to note that Mr. Hildreth took part in the centennial celebration 
in 1866. 

THE SECOND DIVISION 

The Fire Department 
The exhibit of the Northborough Fire Department was 
under the direction of the enigneers: Harry F. Carbrey, chief; 
Arthur H. Johnson, first assistant; Clarence E. Bailey, second 
assistant. 



470 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The apparatus appeared in the following order: 

1. The Old Volunteer. This old hand-tub is the first fire 
engine the town ever owned. It was driven by Henry Bonner 
of Marlborough, who is the driver of the Hook and Ladder 
Truck of that city. He was given a leave of absence by the 
chief of the Marlborough Fire Department that he might 
perform this service. Mr. Bonner spent his boyhood days in 
Northborough. 

2. The Assabet. The Assabet hand-tub was driven by 
Joseph Derosier. He was accompanied by Isaac Richards. 

3. The D. F. Wood Hook and Ladder Truck. Driver — 
Arthur Bruso. 

4. The Cyrus Gale Hose Wagon. Driver — Alexander Breault, 
accompanied by Leo Sullivan, fireman of the department, and 
Frank Mosso, steward. 

5. The Extinguisher Wagon. Driver — Charles Bouvier, 
accompanied by Philip E. Miller. 

The horses were furnished by Alexander Breault and Henry 
P. Mayo. 

The Boy Scouts 

The Boy Scouts were led by Walter Stone, riding a Shetland 
pony, and carrying the national flag. 

Troup 1, of Northborough 

Clarence E. Bailey, scoutmaster; Gordon B. Ringold, patrol 
leader; Everett Nelson, assistant patrol leader; Melvin L. 
Smith, secretary; Charles W. Felt, bugler; Edward Nelson, 
treasurer; Robert Eraser, Elmer Norcross, William Felt, Charles 
Bigelow, Ubert Zeh, J. Bailey Brennan, and Albert Nelson. 

Troup 52, of Shrewsbury 

Raymond D. Fletcher, assistant scoutmaster; Donald Bowen, 
Charles Boutelle, Everett Condon, Albert Cormier, Fred Daniels, 
Warren Field, Edmund Gates, Earl Jenkins, Eric Jenkins, 
Roland Hamlet, George McMurray, Lawrence Parker, Frederick 
Pierce, Raymond Sawtelle, and Raymond Woodburn. 

Priscilla LaPorte 

Priscilla LaPorte rode in her decorated pony wagon, which 
was driven by Julian Goddard. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 471 

Gertrude Hickey 
Gertrude Hickey of Shrewsbury rode in her pony cart. 
She was escorted by Cornelius Bresnahan, also of Shrewsbury, 
riding a pony. 

THIRD DIVISION— SOCIETIES 
Civil War Veterans 
Float entered by Joe Johnson Post 96, G. A. R. 
By vote of the Parade Committee, Joe Johnson Post 96, 
G. A. R. was given precedence over all others in the "Societies 
Division." 

This float was a large one fourteen feet long, seven feet wide, 
and five feet high. It was appropriately decorated with the 
national colors, red, white and blue. On either side, the story 
of Northborough's patriotic devotion was told in the following 
inscription, which extended the entire length of the float: 



northborough with a population of 1500 
Furnished 143 Men for The Civil War 



In the center was a raised platform on which stood the 
"Goddess of Liberty" (represented by Miss Annie M. Heath) 
supporting "Old Glory" with her right hand, the staff resting on 
the floor. 

Seated in comfortable chairs were the following fifteen 
comrades of Post 96, all dressed in their G. A. R. uniforms: 

George W. Allen, John F. Johnson, Henry H. Burdett, 
Hazon Leighton, William N. Bemis, Cyrus H. Mentzer, Orin 
M. Bailey, Daniel R. Sawyer, Asa B. Fay, Walter Valentine, 
Peter Gamache, William H. Warren, John F. Hart, Levi Whit- 
comb, and Guilford P. Heath. 

John D. Holbrook of General Sedgwick Post 79, of Holyoke 
The float was driven by Ernest Brown of Westborough. 

The Spirit of Northhorough 
Float entered by the Sons of Veterans. 
Joseph H. Proctor Camp 71, Sons of Veterans, entered a 
large float drawn by four horses, which represented "The Spirit 
of Northborough." Uncle Sam stood in the center holding 
the "stars and stripes." Around him stood a guard of twelve 
men (six groups of two each) representing the soldiers sent 
from Northborough to the various wars in which our country 



472 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

has been engaged: 1776, 1812, 1846, 1861, 1898, 1916. The 
float was decorated with the national colors. Those taking 
part were : Frederick B. Van Ornum, who represented Uncle Sam, 
William W. Warren, Harry F. Allen, George E. Proctor, Edward 
W. Proctor, Chester Smith, Eben W. Paul, Winfred H. Stone, 
Tarbel P. Haskell. Allyn D. Phelps, Henry G. Warren, George P. 
Walls, Lloyd Brigham, Fred J. Proctor. 

Float entered by the Northborough Woman's Club. 

The float entered by the Northborough Woman's Club 
was decorated in the Club color, lavender, combined with white 
and a quantity of juniper. A large platform wagon was pro- 
cured from Herbert L. Kimball. With the help of George E. 
Armour, a huge umbrella, belonging to Mrs. James Burke, 
was erected in the center. The umbrella was covered with 
white and was decorated with numberless sprays of Wistaria 
and green leaves. Mrs. Mary B. Sawyer, president of the Club, 
Mrs. Herbert L. Kimball, ex-president, Mrs. Elworth P. Daniels, 
secretary, Mrs. Frank Foster, treasurer, and Mrs. Norman B. 
Potter, chairman of directors, all dressed in white and with 
lavender sashes over their shoulders, sat under the umbrella. 
Jared Bushy, dressed wholly in white even to hat and shoes, 
drove the float, which was drawn by his pair of handsome grey 
horses, decorated with lavender and white rosettes. The com- 
mittee chosen by the Club to plan this float were: Mrs. Thornton 
E. Mentzer, Mrs. George E. Armour, Mrs. Irene A. Hyde, Mrs. 
Robert A. Stone, and Miss Emma L. Randlett. 

The committee were assisted by Miss Emma A. Barnes and 
Mrs. Frank Foster. 

Float entered by the Camp-fire Girls. 
The float of the Owaissa Camp-fire Girls was arranged on a 
large auto truck. It was a mass of feathery green asparagus. 
In the center rose a sturdy young pine tree, which is one of the 
symbols of the organization. Yellow letters and sprays of 
golden glow gave a touch of color to it. The truck was driven 
by its owner, Philip G. Hilliard, who was dressed in the 
costume of an Indian chief. Beside him were seated Miss 
Rhoda A. Hartwell who represented an Indian princess, and 
Miss Katherine Booth. Seven of the Camp-fire Girls in cere- 
monial costume represented the seven crafts as follows: Miss 
Fanny M. Bemis (guardian), homecraft; Miss Caroline Lilley, 
healthcraft; Miss Irene Cobb, handcraft; Miss Olive Johnson, 
woodcraft; Miss Elizabeth Hilliard, nature-lore; Miss Daisy A. 
Balcomb, business-lore; Miss Ruby Lilley, patriotism. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 473 

Suffrage Under the Stars and Stripes 
Float entered by the Woman Suffragists. 

This was an auto float. The body of the car was covered 
with fine green fern fronds and yellow roses, all dotted with blue 
butterflies. There were large bouquets at right and left of the 
windshield; and white clematis climbing from one corner followed 
a willow wand which extended over the engine. On the engine 
was mounted a feathered blue-bird, an emblem of happiness. 
On the back seat sat Mrs. Samuel T. Maynard and Mrs. William 
H. Stearns, holding aloft the "Suffrage Flag"; while on the front 
seat rode Mrs. Ida V. Van Horn supporting "Old Glory." All 
was indicative of "unity of spirit in the bond of peace." 

The car was decorated by Mrs. Ida V. Van Horn. 

The First Americans 
Float entered by the Foresters. 
The float entered by the Foresters represented the early 
inhabitants of America. It was decorated with red, white and 
blue bunting. It was drawn by four horses covered with white 
blankets, and was driven by William Falby who represented 
Uncle Sam. The occupants of the float, all representing Indians, 
were: Edward C. Sabouran, Arthur Bouvier, Seymour Le Porte, 
Joseph Gauvin, Edmund Le Porte, James McGrath. 

Feature No. 2. 

In addition to the float mentioned above, the Foresters 
entered another interesting feature. This was an enormous 
American flag carried horizontally. This flag was as wide as 
the street. The men at the corners of the flag were dressed in 
costume; all the others wore dark trousers, white shirts and 
straw hats. The flag was carried by the following men : Edward 
Woodward, Walter Gauvin, Henry Woodward, Cyrus Derosier, 
Joseph Gaucher, Daniel Sullivan, Charles Bruso, George Gauvin, 
George Gauvin, 2nd, John Ryan, Arthur Chapdelaine, James 
Carbrey, Edward Le Porte, Harry Ellsworth, Harold Burbank, 
Frank Mosso, Frank Bodreau, Frank Walsh, Paul Simmons. 

The following boys also walked in connection with this 
feature: Arthur Gauvin, Johnny Rogers, Everett Gauvin, Arthur 
Le Porte, Ovid Lanois, Henry Derosier, and Julian Goddard. 

Our Order 
Float entered by The Woman's Relief Corps. 
(The Woman's Relief Corps was also represented in the his- 
torical division.) 



474 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

The float entered by the Woman's Relief Corps represented 
the patriotic order of that name. It was a large float and was 
decorated with the national colors, red, white and blue. At 
the four corners stood Miss L. Josephine Corey, Miss Olive 
Warren, Mrs. Mary Newton and Mrs. Lizzie Estabrook, the 
color bearers of the order, holding aloft the stars and stripes. 
A banner reading "Woman's Relief Corps No. 73, 1886-1916," 
was also borne aloft. In addition to the color bearers already 
mentioned, the following members of the order rode in the 
float, each one carrying a small parasol trimmed with the national 
colors: Mrs. Gertrude Lincoln, Mrs. Eric Rice, Mrs. Ella Mon- 
tague, Mrs. Irene Mentzer, Mrs. Lelia Clapp, Mrs. Hattie Warren, 
Mrs. Silvia May, Mrs. Mabel Felton, and Miss Ada Harrington. 
The driver was John W. De Armond. 

Floats entered by The Northborough Grange. 
Float No.l 

This float was decorated with lattice work, evergreen, and 
pink roses, and was meant to represent the "Grange" which 
stands for agriculture. Certain words of the Grange ritual, 
"Since God placed man on the earth agriculture has existed," 
were represented by Harold Pitts, who was dressed as "Father 
Time." The members of the Ladies' Degree Team dressed in 
Grecian gowns represented the following characters: Ceres, 
goddess of cereals, Miss Myrtle Johnson; Pomona, goddess of 
fruit. Miss Edna Eraser; Flora, goddess of flowers, Miss Ruth 
Sparrow; Ceres' assistants, Mrs. Hermon L. Sparrow, Mrs. 
Harry Trimble, Mrs. Willis E. Wheeler, Miss Marion F. Wheeler; 
goddess of music, Miss Marion Daniels; goddess of astronomy. 
Miss Elizabeth F. England; shepherdesses. Miss Emma M. 
Cutler, Mrs. Harold Fitts. 

This float was in charge of Mrs. May C. Wheeler, Master 
of Ladies* Degree Team of Northborough Grange, P. of H., 
No. 119. Driver— Willis E. Wheeler. 

Float No. 2 

The sides of this float were of white lattice work and were 
decorated with evergreen and red roses. On the platform was a 
large sheaf of wheat and other emblems of the order. Mrs. 
Arthur H. Johnson in an appropriate costume, represented 
"America," and George H. Felt impersonated "Uncle Sam." 
The float was driven by Charles A. Davis, who was dressed in 
white. 

NOTE. — The Northborough Grange was also represented in the His- 
torical division. Float No. 9. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 475 

Float entered by the Loyal Temperance Legion. 
The body of this float and its canopy top were draped in 
white, the drapings being held in place by gilt rosettes. On each 
side of the body were large initial letters of the parent organiza- 
tion, W. C. T. U., in gilt, and at each end of the top were the 
letters L. T. L., also in gilt. Along each side of the top was 
one of the Legion's mottoes — "For God and Home and Native 
Land," — in gilt lettering. Those who rode in the float were 
as follows: Mrs. Marion W. Parmenter, leader; Bertha Smith, 
Norman Smith, Agnes Carlson, Carl Carlson, Madeline Bailey, 
Melville Bailey, Lorna Derby, Hazel Martin, Florence Mitchell, 
Helen Fredericks, Marie Parmenter, Elsie Norcross, Alice Nor- 
cross, Grace Codd, Grace Schofield, Annie Rice, Russell Tilley, 
John O'Brien, Chester Warren and Willard Poland. 

All who rode in the float, including the driver, were dressed 
in white. A white banner with gilt letters L. T. L., was carried. 
The float was drawn by two white, blind horses driven by Walker 
Russell. Mr. Russell also took part in the centennial cele- 
bration in 1866. 

BUSINESS MEN'S DIVISION 

This division of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary 
parade was organized and financed by the business men of 
Northborough, under the direction of their special committee, 
composed of Thomas H. Blair, Dr. Josiah M. Stanley, and 
Henry F. Carbrey, and consisted of fifty-two floats which included 
all but seven of the business interests in the town. Each float 
very uniquely and appropriately represented the business or 
trade of the one entering the same, and was chronologically 
assigned to its position in the line. 

It is interesting to know that the preparation for this 
anniversary brought out the fact that there were seventy 
different businesses and trades in Northborough. 

The Worcester City Band consisting of twenty-five pieces 
and a drum major under the direction of Fred B. Cunningham, 
furnished music for the occasion, and after the parade it was 
turned over to the General Committee for concert work in the 
afternoon. 

This section was marshaled by Dr. Josiah M. Stanley who 
rode in his decorated automobile, the design of which was 
emblematical of the medical profession. He was accompanied 
by Mrs. Almira A. Wadsworth, dressed in the uniform of a pro- 
fessional nurse. 



476 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Marshal's Float 
Dr. Josiah M. Stanley 
Dr. Stanley's roadster was completely draped with white 
and green bunting, arranged in numerous puffs, plaits and loops to 
soften the effect, white being used for the background and green 
for the trimmings. Erected over the seat was a white umbrella 
from which were gracefully looped white and green streamers 
to the front and rear ends of the car. Other streamers of the 
same colors ran from the body to different parts of the machine, 
and to the large panel on either side of the body was attached 
the green cross of the medical profession. Rosettes of white 
and green were used where necessary to improve the beauty 
of the design. Here and there white pond lilies with their 
green foliage appeared as if carelessly thrown onto the car. 
The wheels were hidden from view by circles of white with 
centres of green. The bonnet supported a miniature pond arising 
from which were reeds, cat-o-'nine-tails, pond lilies and other 
aquatic plants. Nestling among the lily-pads were little naked 
doll babies, and standing in the midst of all was a white stork 
with lily blossoms and a naked doll baby suspended from his 
bill, presenting the appearance of their having just been plucked 
from the pond beneath. 



Float No. 1 

The first float represented the United States Postoffice. 
It was an open air landau, draped with red, white and blue, 
decorated with small flags, with a large American flag hanging 
from the back; on each door was a sign "U. S. Mail." 

The occupants of the landau were Postmaster Martin H. 
Ryan, costumed as Uncle Sam; Assistant Postmaster Mary H. 
Ryan, representing the Goddess of Liberty; Rural Carrier 
Dorrance H. Lever and daughter, Marjorie; Mrs. Dorrance H, 
Lever and Miss Elizabeth S. Ryan. The landau was drawn by 
four black horses from the Carter stable of Marlborough, driven 
by Dr. E. W. Bradley of Marlborough. 



Float No. 2 

"NORTHBOROUGH NATIONAL BaNK" 

This was an exact reproduction on a small scale of the bank 
building, made on a wooden frame covered with building paper 
painted to simulate bricks. On either side of the length of 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



477 



the eaves was a long placard of white with the following inscrip- 
tion in black lettering: 



OLDEST IN THIS SECTION 


Paid Stockholders in Dividends 


1854-NORTHBOROUGH Bank-1865 


During Fifty-one Years 


1865-NORTHBOROUGH NATIONAL 


as a National Bank, $319,000 


Bank-1916 


Has Never Failed to Pay a 


Capital $100,000 


Semi-annual Dividend 


Surplus and Profits $59,000 


Since Organization in 1854 



The float was drawn by four gray horses driven by Chester 
A. Howe, of Berlin. 

Float No. 3 

Grocery and Dry Goods business established by John Wads- 
worth, January 1, 1863, and continued under the same firm 
name to the present time, by his son, Noah Wadsworth. 

A large wagon owned by Mr. Hillis, of Shrewsbury, and 
drawn by two pair of crossed-matched horses owned by Mr. 
Hillis and driven by his own teamster, Mr. F. Hacky. 

The wagon was draped with white bunting and white crepe 
paper; upon each side was a crescent-shaped sign bearing the 
incription, "J. Wadsworth & Company, "with the dates 1863-1916. 

The top was decorated with cut-outs of "King Arthur Flour" ; 
the interior carried a tastefully arranged counter displaying 
groceries on one side and dry goods on the other. 

The occupants were Mr. Noah Wadswoth, the proprietor; 
Mr. Hugh Norton, a former clerk; Miss Florence Howe of 
Quincy, a former teacher in our public schools, representing 
"Walter Baker's Chocolate," wearing a Dutch costume and 
carrying, on a tray, a cup of cocoa; Clarence Walker and Howard 
Potter appropriately garbed, represented the"Gold Dust Twins," 
and caused much merriment along the route. 

Float No. 4 

Represented the "Old Way" 1766, and the "New Way" 1916 

A two-horse wood -wagon, on one end of which was a buck-saw 
and hand-saw, on the other a gasoline engine with a circular 
saw. Team was owned and driven by James J. Wood, aged 
seventy-one years and nine months, and a resident of North- 
borough for seventy-one years. 



478 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Float No. 5 
A meat and provision cart ornamented in national colors, 
owned and driven by A. E. Wallace. The horses wore white 
blankets with the inscription 

1871— A. E. Wallace— 1916 

Float No. 6 
A covered wagon, representing an ice cream parlor, owned 
and driven by George B. Wood, the oldest citizen in the parade 
and a participant in the centennial celebration, fifty years 
ago. The color scheme was purple Wistaria blossoms on a 
white background, about five hundred blossoms being used; 
white crepe paper curtains were looped back on either side of 
the wagon to give the effect of a room, within which, seated on 
white chairs around a white table were the Misses Olive Russell, 
Ethelyn Carbrey, Florence Hatch, and Mildred Sweet, all dressed 
in white; on the top of the wagon was the sign: 
1876— Ice Cream— 1916 

Float No. 7 
Warren Brothers Poultry Supplies 

1884 northborough rendering works 1916 

Auto truck driven by A. L. Warren, trimmed with red, 
white and blue bunting and United States flags. Business, 
rendering and poultry supplies. 

Float No. 8 
Geo. F. Sargent, Shoe Dealer 
A monster shoe, five feet long and over two and one-half feet 
high, mounted on a platform float. The wheels were decorated 
with large red, white and blue stars, and with bunting. The 
body, base, skeleton frame, and shoe were also trimmed with red, 
white and blue bunting, with trimmings to match. Opposite 
either end of the seat was a sign "Sargent's Family Shoes." 
The float was driven by William R. Eraser, and inside the shoe 
rode Master "Tommy" Cobb, a colored boy ten years old, the 
son of Samuel Cobb. "Tommy" distributed stickpins along 
the route as souvenirs. 

Float No. 9 
A very neat miniature modern Japanese bungalow, on a 
float driven by Charles H. Bailey, accompanied by Fred LeRoy 
Charles E. Bailey, Agnes A. LeRoy, Dorothy F. Bailey, Ethel E. 
Bailey, and Helen M. Hanson. Business, C. H. Bailey, carpen- 
ter and builder. One of the very attractive floats. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 479 

Float No. 10 

A large wagon and an automobile, both trimmed with 
bunting and green bows, represented Herman L. Peinze's 
grocery and provision business. All the commodities of each 
business were well advertised on the floats. 

This business originally started in 1889, in the old Ball store, 
situated where the Public Library now stands; from there was 
moved to the Stratton store on Main Street, and finally to its 
present location, formerly owned by C. Brigham & Co. Auto 
driven by Herman L. Peinze, and wagon by Fred C. Franklin, 
accompanied by Dorothy Russell and Pauline Peinze. 

Float No. 11 
A wagon covered with savin as a foundation, in which were 
placed sixty-five dozen variously shaded Shirley poppies. In the 
wagon were carpenters' tools and benches, to represent the 
business of Charles Richardson, carpenter and builder. 

Float No. 12 

KiNGSTHORPE PoNY FaRM PuRE BrED ShETLANDS 

Represented by a pair of black ponies, drawing a wagon 
decorated with cut paper, making the wheels solid disks of red, 
white and blue. Driven by Clevis Stone, accompanied by 
Elizabeth Woods. 

Float No. 13 

Float No. 13, represented the market-garden and dairy 
business of George A. Brigham, who has raised farm products 
in Northborough and marketed them in Worcester for nearly 
forty years. The float consisted of a one-horse express wagon 
with lake body, and yellow-and-black running gear, carrying 
two slanting tiers of fresh vegetables in new bushel-boxes. 
Two boxes each of tomatoes, summer-squash, bunched beets, 
and Williams-Red apples constituted the load, with ten shining 
eight-quart milk cans filling up the rear, to represent the dairy 
end of the business. The wheels were decorated with red, white 
and blue bunting; each box of vegetables had four tiny American 
flags in the corners, while the whole wagon was liberally decorated 
with flags and asparagus greenery. Even the horse had her 
share in the decoration, for there were two small flags in her bridle, 
while the whip carried its bow of red, white and blue. Float 
No. 13 was driven by Mr. William L. Goddard of Littleton, Mass. 

Float No. 14 
A wagon newly painted for the occasion, and which had 
been used to carry produce to market for twenty-six years, 



480 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

represented the farm and garden business of Edwin S. Corey. The 
wagon was piled high with bushel boxes marked asparagus, 
lettuce, celery, apples, and milk, the principal products of the 
farm and garden. 

Float -No. 15 
George H. Burgoyne, Blacksmith 
A decorated automobile representing a blacksmith shop, in 
which was a horse being shod, and a man working at an anvil. 

Float No. 16 
A low milk delivery wagon, owned and driven by Curtis 
H. Burdett, decorated with asparagus foliage and white Wis- 
taria blossoms; carried as living advertisements of the quality 
of the milk, two pretty young children, John Potter Eames and 
Thelma Spear, standing in the doors on either side of the 
wagon under the announcement "We drink Burdett's Milk." 
Streamers of red, white and blue hung from the saddle and 
bridle of the horse. 

Float No. 17 
Blair & Company 
This was very simple and consisted entirely of elevated signs, 
with shelf on top displaying samples of the cash register which 
is their principal of today. 

To illustrate the time of T. H. Blair's activity in the town, 
the following lettering appeared on each side of the wagon : 
"America Camera Mfg. Co., 1896 to 1900." 
"Whiting Manufacturing Company, 1900 to 1913." 
"Blair Light Company, 1910 to 1914." 
"Blair & Company, 1913 to 1916." 
This carriage was drawn by a single horse, driven by Clarence 
Harrington. 

Float No. 18 
Samuel Buckley & Son 
Holstein-Fresian High-Grade Cattle and Milk 
Color scheme black and white, corresponding to the well- 
known color of the cattle. A long, low platform wagon with 
canopy top in black and white. 

The central figure of the exhibit was the Holstein cow, 
Lady Elizabeth, 132565 H. F. H. B., with an A. R. O. record 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 481 

of 510 pounds of milk and 24.1 pounds butter in seven days. 
By her side was Miss Bessie Smith, dressed as a Holland milk- 
maid. On the front part of the wagon was a fine Holstein calf, 
beside which were seated Mr. Buckley's two daughters, Marion 
aged four, and Eleanor aged two. Over this group was the 
sign "Products of Holstein Milk." Over the whole float was the 
sign "Chestnut Hill Farm, Samuel Buckley & Son," and on the 
edge of the canopy the legend, "The Holstein-Fresian Cow. 
Best by every test." Manager of the farm, Clarence E. 
Buckley, dressed in black and white, drove the float. 

Float No. 19 
Claude T. Shattuck, Druggist and Apothecary 

A motor truck, driven by Joseph E. Murray, with Howard P. 
Shattuck as passenger. 

The color scheme was a combination of white, lavender and 
gold. On a raised platform in the center was a large mortar and 
pestle, with a druggist's show bottle at each corner. The draping 
consisted of white bunting, over which was lavender arranged in 
festoons and trimmed with gold rope. The name, C.T. Shattuck, 
in letters of gold, appeared on either side. A bank of lavender- 
colored streamers in spirals led from the elevated platform in 
the center to the top of the frame supporting the drapery. 
Over the hood of the motor was a frame-work on which the plan 
of twisted streamers continued to be carried into effect. Back- 
ward from the seat and reaching to the rear was a canopy top, 
convex in form, and covered with the same spiral lavender 
streamers. The supports were wound with white garlands. 
This float was designed and constructed without professional 
assistance. 

The color effect was agreeably emphasized by the bright 
sunlight on the morning of the parade. 

Float No. 20 
George H. Felt & Company, Dealers in Coal & Lumber 
A two-ton Packard coal truck, trimmed with various colors, 
and driven by Charles A. Nelson. 

Float No. 21 

W. F. Gilbert, Confectionery and Ice Cream 

The automobile representing the news room of William F. 

Gilbert was draped with yellow and white chrysanthemums, and 

also yellow and black drapings. The hood of the machine was 

covered with a blanket of yellow and black paper woven into a 



482 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

checker-board effect. Streamers of yellow and black paper were 
draped from the top of the machine to the radiator. A string of 
the blossoms followed the outline of the body of the machine, 
and the lights were also outlined with chrysanthemum blossoms. 
The spokes of the wheels were covered with yellow paper, and 
then massed with yellow and white blossoms. A sign represent- 
ing the business was on each side of the machine, while another 
worded," Gilbert's News Room," was attached to the back of 
the machine. The occupants of the machine were Francis 
and Amory Gilbert, sons of William F. Gilbert, who wore coats 
advertising Moxie. 

Float No. 22 

The Valley Farm 

A motor truck float on which was a pen trimmed with 

garlands of National colors. In the pen were a young Ayrshire 

bull, two Shropshire sheep, and a lamb representing the specialties 

of the farm. Float driven by the owner, Everett Valentine. 

Float No. 23 
BiGELOW & St. Onge, Plumbers 

A canopied float with color scheme of amber and blue. The 
wagon was tastefully draped, and on one side was the sign" Plumb- 
ing" and on the other "Heating." On the wagon was a platform 
on which was displayed a complete modern bathroom, with 
tiled floor, bathtub, lavatory and seat in vitreous china. The 
horse was tastefully ornamented with a blanket and trappings, 
carrying out the color scheme and was driven by the junior 
partner, Mr. St. Onge. The owners received many compliments 
on this float. 

Float No. 24 
E. F. Daniels, Groceries 

A delivery wagon, decorated with small flags and the wheels 
covered with red, white and blue paper. On either side of the 
wagon, slanted toward a central frame-work were bags of flour 
"Russell's Regular" on one side, and "Onward" on the other. 
Above this were paper cartons of the "Loose-Wiles Biscuit Co." 
The horse wore a cover on which was printed in black "Onward 
Flour. Best by Test." Team was driven by Charles W. 
Frazier, accompanied by Henry C. Russell. 

Float No. 25 
Harry F. Carbrey, Painter and Decorator 
A float representing a small cottage frame house ten by six, 
painted colonial yellow with white trimmings, and sage green 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 483 

roof and blinds, decorated with bunting, and climbing vines. 
Driven by George Palmer, son of George Palmer, Bartlett 
Street. 

Float No. 26 
James Carbrey, Fish and Sea Food 
A float, the body of which was covered with green sea-foam 
bunting on which were cardboard fishes, representing fish in 
the water. The wheels were covered with green and white 
bunting. Drawn by a white horse covered with a green blanket 
to match the float. Driven by the owner, James Carbrey. 

Float No. 27 

Moses Mosso, Manufacturer Violin Trimmings 

A horse-drawn float decorated with the national colors, 

and violins and violin trimmings. On the float were machines 

in operation receiving their power from the rear wheels. Machine 

operated by Moses Mosso; team driven by Harry LeBlanc. 

Float No. 28 
Paul & Carbrey, Painters and Decorators 
A canopied wagon, trimmed with lavender and white, the 
sides with crepe paper drawn aside to represent curtains, 
showing inside, samples of wall-paper. The wheels were covered 
with lavender and white bunting, and the wagon had a sign 
on each side advertising the business. 

Float No. 29 
Deerfoot Farm Dairy, Wholesale and Retail Milk Business 
A two and one-half ton "White" auto truck, decorated. 
Driven by Robert D. Mahoney and Clarence Potter. 

Float No. 30 
Hillside Poultry Farm 
Auto truck in national colors, owned and driven by J. W- 
Warren, containing eggs, broilers and roasters, live and dressed 
poultry. 

Float No. 31 
J. E. Armour, Blacksmith and Farrier 
A truck decorated in red, white and blue, on the center of 
which was an immense horseshoe. Finger rings made from 
horseshoe nails were distributed along the route as souvenirs. 



484 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Float No. 32 
Marion C. Fitts, Florist 
A pony cart owned and driven by Miss Virginia Schutte, 
accompanied by her brother, Master Henry Schutte. The 
pony cart was covered with evergreen as a background with 
flowers and ribbons festooned around, and set in among 
the green. A bride's shower bouquet of sweet peas streamed 
from the rear, while mounted on a large cross decorated with 
evergreen, sweet peas and white streamers, was the sign "Marion 
C. Fitts, Florist," inlaid in white. Boutonnieres of sweet peas 
were thrown out along the route. 

Float No. 33 
S. L. McCooL, Hardware Dealer 
The float was trimmed with the national colors, red, white, 
and blue. The body of the float was draped with bunting, with 
festoons of red, white and blue crepe paper filling in the sides. 
An array of Wadsworth Howland paints and oils. Perfection 
Blue Flame Oil Stoves and articles of hardware were displayed 
from the float, which was driven by the owner, Mr. McCool, 
accompanied by Miss Jennie Regan of Gardner, Mass., and 
Miss Mildred Brown, Baldwinsville, Mass. 

Float No. 34 
William F. Ellsworth, Ice Cream and Restaurant 
Float to represent an aeroplane, decorated in Nile green and 
white. 

Float No. 35 
Albert J. Carr, Northborough Grist Mill. Grain Dealer 
A one-horse wagon, driven by Henry J. Gauvin accom- 
panied by Evelyn M. Carr, Elinor B. Carr, Margaret E. Asquith, 
and Bernice A. Asquith. It was drawn by "Brownie," a high- 
spirited steed, who wore a new nickel-trimmed harness. The 
frame work was prettily decorated with festoons and streamers 
of green, corn-color and white bunting, woven neatly around 
printed signs, advertising specialties. The wagon was loaded 
with hay, grain and shavings. 

Float No. 36 

R. E. Wadsworth & Company, commercial florists of 

Northborough, displayed Float No. 37 in the business men's 

section using their Locomobile truck. A canopy six feet high 

was erected over the body and extended out over the driver's 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 485 

seat. Green and white bunting was used for the background 
and for the wheels. 

The canopy and posts were covered with traihng woodbine 
and asparagus fern. Long ropes of garden asters, purple and 
white, pink and white, and cerise and white, were draped from 
the top of the canopy to the sides, bottom and back of the 
body, and from the front, ropes of blue delphinium and ever- 
lasting, swinging down to the windshield, were caught and con- 
tinued down to the front of the float. The headlights were 
brilliant with crimson and white sweet peas. Many loose asters 
with fern were used all over the body. 

Mr. Ralph E. Wadsworth and Mr. William P. Marhsall 
occupied the driver's seat, Mr. Wadsworth driving. In the 
back were Mrs. Ralph E. Wadsworth, Master Stanley E. Wads- 
worth and Mrs. William P. Marshall. All were dressed in white. 

Float No. 37 

Entered by W\ A. Crossley proprietor of "The Spa" was 
built on a heavy express wagon, newly painted, therefore running 
gear was not decorated. 

Four five-foot posts were run up from each corner and frame 
run from post to post. 

This was decorated with white bunting edged with green and 
green rosettes, and draped in loops, twice over -sides, and 
once on ends. A two-tier platform, covered with bunting, 
was built over floor of wagon and on this were cut-outs and signs 
advertising confectionery, stationery, cameras, and grape juice. 
Signs on top of each side read, "The Spa." Fans advertising 
the business were distributed along the route of the parade. 

The float was driven by George Chapdelaine, Gordon H, 
Crossley riding with him. 

Float No. 38 
Whitaker & Bacon, Wool, Worsted, and Woolen Waste and 

Shoddies 
An auto truck decorated with red, white and blue paper 
and American flags. Driven by Harry Whitaker accompanied 
by Alfred Partelo. 

Float No. 39 
American Gill Screw Company 
A decorated automobile driven by the owner, W. Holdsworth, 
accompanied by Mrs. E. Holdsworth, Master E. Holdsworth, and 
Miss E. Holdworth. 



486 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Float No. 40 
Sparrow & Company's float, advertising poultry supplies, 
feeds, flour, etc., although not at all elaborate, was rather 
striking on account of the bright newly painted wagon with red 
body and yellow wheels, drawn by "Nellie," a light bay, and 
the heaviest horse in the town of Northborough, who wore a new 
harness with shining brass trimmings, and was driven by John 
Norton who was dressed entirely in white. On either side of 
the wagon, grain in white sacks was neatly arranged and 
fastened. Above that were banners advertising some special 
brands of feeds, from the top of which festoons of roses were 
hung, reaching to the corners of the wagon. 

Float No. 41 
Daniel F. Danckert, Farmer 
A milk wagon decorated in national colors driven by John 
Danckert. 

Float No. 42 
W. J. Chabot, Provisions 
A decorated provision wagon, driven by W. J. Chabot. 

Float No. 43 
Proctor Preserve Company, 
Stephen W. Norcross, Treasurer and Manager 
Manufacturers of jams and marmalades, wax refiners, manu- 
facturers of composition wax, and dealers in beeswax, paraffin, 
ceresine and floor wax. A decorated automobile driven by 
Earl R. Blakely exhibited specimens of the products. 

Float No. 44 
Taylor Manufacturing Company 
Decorated automobile loaded with yarns and cloth, driven by 
Chas. Atkins, accompanied by John P. Leary. 

Float No. 45 
John W. Allen, Hardware Merchant 
Automobile truck. The platform on the rear was trimmed 
with hemlock boughs entwined with goldenrod. A canopy 
made of hemlock boughs and goldenrod extended over the 
driver's seat and hood. A sign bearing the owner's name rested 
against the windshield. On the platform which was covered 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 487 

with green boughs and goldenrod was a bicycle grindstone 
which was operated by a man who was grinding a scythe, and 
suspended above his head was a sign bearing the word, "Hard- 
Wear." The driver of the truck was Arthur H. Johnson, 
with the owner beside him; Mr. Eli Sanderson operated the 
grindstone. 

Float No. 46 
White Garage, Harold Foss, Proprietor 
A Cadillac covered truck decorated with American flag and 
bunting, and displaying signs advertising "Firestone" tires, 
"Socony" gasoline and oil. Truck loaded with tires and auto- 
mobile accessories, was driven by Harold Foss. 

Float No. 47 
J. E. Murray, Ice Business 
A two-horse truck decorated in the national colors, driven 
by Frank Goddard. 

Float No. 48 
The Northborough Inn 
A decorated automobile driven by James Hanson and 
accompanied by Mrs. F. E. Atwood, Mr. and Mrs. C.E.Atwood, 
and son Loren Atwood. 

Float No. 49 
W. D. WoRSFOLD, Blacksmith 
A perfectly new express wagon driven by Mr. George Beck. 

Float No. 50 
Louis Derosier, Stone Mason and Blasting 
A one-horse float driven by Hermis Derosier, representing the 
use of high explosives in masonry and farming. 

Float No. 51 
New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. 
An automobile float trimmed with the national colors and 
bearing the slogan "Safety First." The float was occupied by 
Miss Anna M. Morrill, chief operator of Westborough, Mr. 
F. J. Bennet, local manager, Mr. W. H. Caverhill, wire chief 
of Marlborough, and the resident agent, Mr. W. H. Stearns. 



488 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

AFTER THE PARADE THE FOLLOWING SPORTS TOOK PLACE- 
Thursday, August 17, 1916 
One hundred-yard dash (local), boys over fourteen, won by 
Derosier; O'Dell, second; A. Gilbert, third. Time, twelve 
seconds. Prizes: first, silver medal; second, golden bronze 
medal; third, bronze medal. 

Eight hundred and eighty-yard run (open), won by Burke, 
B. A. A.; Colby, second; O'Neil, third. Time: two minutes and 
fourteen and three-fifths seconds. Prizes: first, silver cup; 
second, gold medal; third, silver medal. 

One hundred-yard dash (local), men, won by Ryan; F. P. 
Gilbert, second; Phillips, third. Time, eleven seconds. Prizes: 
first, silver cup; second, gold medal; third, silver medal. 

Four hundred and forty-yards run (local), men, won by 
Phillips; Burgoyne, second; McCabe, third. Time, fifty-five 
seconds. Prizes: first, silver cup; second, gold medal; third, 
silver medal. 

Two hundred and twenty-yard dash (local), boys over 
fourteen years, won by C. Derosier; O'Dell, second; A. Gilbert, 
third. Time, thirty minutes and three-fifths seconds. Prizes: 
first, silver medal; second, golden bronze medal; third, bronze 
medal. 

One hundred-yard dash (open), men, won by Morrissey, 
B. A. A.; Prout, B. A. A., second; Foley, B. A. A., third. Time, 
ten and one-fifth seconds. Prizes: first, gold medal; second, 
silver medal; third, golden bronze medal. 

Mile run (local), men, won by Burgoyne; Brigham, second; 
Time, five minutes and twenty-four and four-fifths seconds. 
Prizes: first, silver cup; second, gold medal. 

One hundred -yard dash (open), boys over fourteen years, won 
by C. Derosier; O'Dell, second; Gilbert, third. Time, three 
seconds. Prizes: first, silver medal; second, golden bronze 
medal; third, bronze medal. 

Two hundred and twenty-yard dash (local), men, won by 
Ryan; F. P. Gilbert, second; Phillips, third. Time, twenty- 
four and two-fifths seconds. Prizes: first, silver cup; second, 
gold medal; third, silver medal. 

Three-legged race, boys over fourteen years, won by C. 
Derosier and O'Dell; A. Gilbert and H. Derosier, second; Con- 
nors and LaPorte, third. Time, fourteen seconds. Prizes: 
first, silver medal; second, golden bronze medal; third, bronze 
medal. 

Two hundred and twenty-yard dash (open), men, won by 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 489 

Morrissey, B. A. A.; Prout, B. A. A., second; Nelson, third. 
Time twenty-two and two-fifths seconds. Prizes: first, gold 
medal; second, silver medal; third, golden bronze medal. 

Five mile run (open), men, won by Hennigan, Dorchester 
A. A.; O'Neil, B. A. A., second; Gregory, third. Time, twenty- 
eight minutes and forty-three and one-fifth seconds. Prizes: 
first, silver cup; second, silver cup; third, silver cup. 

The field events at Assabet Park resulted as follows: Pole 
vault, won by Harwood, B. A. A.; Hodgkins, second; Derosier, 
third. Height ten feet. Prizes: first, gold medal; second, silver 
medal; third, golden bronze medal. 

Standing broad jump (men), won by Walker; Phillips, 
second. Distance, nine feet and six and one-quarter inches. 
Prizes: first, gold medal; second, silver medal. 

Sixteen pound shot-put (men), won by Walker; Wadsworth, 
second; Phillips, third. Distance, thirty-four feet and five and 
a half inches. Prizes: first, gold medal; second, silver medal. 

Standing broad jump (local), boys over fourteen years, won 
by C. Derosier; Gilbert, second; O'Dell, third. Distance, seven 
feet nine inches. Prizes: first, silver medal; second, golden 
bronze medal; third, bronze medal. 

Running broad jump (local), men, won by Walker; Prout, 
second; Colby, third. Distance, seventeen feet and nine and 
a half inches. Prizes: first, gold medal; second, silver medal; 
third, golden bronze medal. 

Running broad jump, boys over fourteen years, won by 
A. Gilbert; O'Dell, second. Distance, fourteen feet and nine 
inches. Prizes: first, silver medal; second, golden bronze medal. 

High jumps for boys over fourteen years, won by O'Dell; 
Gilbert, second; Derosier, third. Height, four feet and four 
and a half inches. Prizes: first, silver medal; second, golden 
bronze medal; third, bronze medal. 

High jump for men, won by Walker; Colby, second; Phillips, 
third. Height, five feet. Prizes: first, gold medal; second, 
silver medal; third, golden bronze medal. 

The above athletes who participated in the games on these 
days were all registered men, as the meet was sanctioned by the 
New England Association of the Amateur Athletic Union. 

All athletes who took part in the events and were termed as 
novices received handicaps in all the events they entered. All 
handicapping was done by the ofificial handicapper, Frank X. 
McGrath, Boston. 

William H. Casey, 

Secretary of Committee on Sports. 



490 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

THURSDAY AFTERNOON AT ASSABET PARK 
Band Concert 

The following concert was rendered by the Worcester 
City Band, Fred B. Cunningham, Director, at Assabet Park, on 
Thursday afternoon, August 17: 

"Second Connecticut March." Resues 

"Old Kentucky Home," With variations for all instruments. 
Overture, "The Bridal Rose." C. Lacelle 

"Ragging the Scale," March. Edward Claypoole 

"Star-Spangled Banner." Francis Scott Key 

"New Colonial." Hall 

Cornet Solo: By Archie Campbell. 
"The Perfect Day." Bond 

The last number was given at the close of the literary exer- 
cises, and a more appropriate number could not have been 
selected. The weather throughout the day had been absolutely 
perfect, and aside from the weather, no untoward incident 
had occurred to mar the happiness of the occasion in the slightest 
degree. 

DEDICATION OF THE FLAG STAFF 

One of the interesting features of the anniversary program 
was the dedication of the flag staff at Assabet Park. This 
took place on Thursday afternoon, August 17. 

At the town meeting held on March 6, 1916, under Article 
XVIII, the following vote was passed: ''Voted, that the Town 
of Northborough purchase and erect a flag staff at such 
place as may be decided upon by the selectmen. Also, that 
the town purchase a suitable national flag therefor, and that a 
sum of money not to exceed $260 be appropriated for this 
purpose." 

The selectmen put the matter into the hands of Dr. John L. 
Coffin and Rev. Josiah Coleman Kent, they having made the 
preliminary investigation as to the cost of the same. They 
made arrangements with the Lexington Flag Staff Company, of 
Boston for furnishing and erecting the staff, and the contract 
was carried out in a satisfactory manner. The staff is of Oregon 
pine, stands ninety feet above the ground, and is painted with 
three coats of white paint. 

The raising of the flag was a beautiful ceremony which will 
never be forgotten by the large number of people who witnessed 
it. The flag was folded by Rev. Andrew T. Ringold and Charles 
E. Bailey, and was raised by Charles E. Bailey and Harry F. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 491 

Allen. In the meantime, Joe Johnson Post No. 96, G. A. R., 
in full uniform under command of Commander Hazon Leighton, 
encircled themselves around the base of the staff. All heads 
were bared and the vast audience rose to its feet as the flag was 
slowly raised to the masthead. Just before it reached the 
masthead, the Worcester City Band, which had been giving a 
concert, suddenly struck up "The Star-Spangled Banner." 
Upon reaching the top the halliards were given the proper twist 
and the heavy flag dropped limp and clung to the staff. Just 
at that moment and as though by magic, the breeze carried it 
out to its full length, and "Old Glory" floated there in the 
breeze, a thing of beauty. The audience, which up to that 
time, had been quiescent, suddenly broke forth into a round of 
applause. The heart of every one present seemed to be touched 
as with coals from off the altar of patriotism. That new flag, 
floating so proudly on high, thrilled everyone with patriotic 
ardor. 

LITERARY EXERCISES 
After the flag-raising the following literary exercises took 
place. Rev. Frank Louis Bristol, was master of ceremonies. 
He said : 

''Ladies and Gentlemen, Fellow Citizens and Friends: We are 
here at this time to continue our celebration of the one hundred 
and fiftieth birthday of our town and to receive the greetings 
from those who have come to join with us in our festivities. 
There are very few of us at most that can look back and see and 
remember one hundred and fifty years. I am not here to try 
to do that. For not being as aged as the eloquent speaker of last 
evening, our ancient historian, I shall not try to conjure up the 
past but simply live in the present, and look a little toward 
the future, as we listen to the well wishes of our welcome 
guests. But first we will receive a word from one of our own 
townspeople. I take pleasure in presenting to you Mr. Hermon 
L. Sparrow, chairman of Northborough's Board of Selectmen." 

Mr. Sparrow welcomed the people in a few well-chosen 
words and Mr. Bristol proceeded: "Some years ago it was 
my lot to dwell in the State of Michigan. It was at a time 
when one of those large forest fires swept over two of the 
counties of the state, driving many people from their homes. 
At the same time a political campaign was being carried 
on. One of the nominees was the then present Governor 
Jerome; and another was a candidate named Begole. The latter 
was a wealthy man, and as funds were being sent to the stricken 
region Begole telegraphed 'Let no one suffer; call on me.' At 



492 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

the election Begole was elected. Shortly after there was a 
banquet in East Saginaw to which Ex-Governor Jerome and 
Governor Begole were invited. Jerome was there; Begole could 
not be present. He was expected to respond to the toast 'The 
State of Michigan,' and Jerome was asked to take his place. 
He began by saying 'Let no one suffer; call on me.' We 
expected our Governor McCall with us today, but he could not 
be present. But we have one who is always ready and can 
always say in every emergency, 'Let no one suffer; call on me.' 
I take great pleasure in introducing to you the Hon. Albert P. 
Langtry, Secretary of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts." 

SPEECH OF HON. ALBERT P. LANGTRY 
"Governor McCall regrets exceedingly his inability to 
be present here today and sends his greetings and best wishes 
to all the people of Northborough. 

"Of all the flags flung to the breeze 
In all the lands beneath the sun; 
Of all the flags on all the seas, 
I claim but one, I love but one. 

"There may be other flags for some 
Which seem to be of equal worth. 
But as for me that flag spells 'home' — 
It is the dearest flag on earth. 

"I love Old Glory most, because 

No king can claim her as his own, 
And from her spring great eagle claws 
When anyone suggests a throne. 

"Baptized was she in blood of men, 
And consecrated by the tears 
Of brave, though weeping women, when 

They sent their loved ones forth with cheers. 

"The men who raised that flag waged war; 
They bled, they died, without complaint; 
They knew what they were fighting for; 
They gave themselves without restraint. 

"And so it is that here and now 

We hoist thee, old Red, White and Blue, 
And underneath thy folds we vow 
We'll fight for you ; we love but you. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 493 

"There are four epochs in the history of America, the first 
being signaHzed by the landing of the Pilgrims and the Puritans 
on this rock-bound coast. No people ever had a harder struggle 
to get an existence than did these hardy men and women, 
but they came to America so that they could worship God 
as they wanted to worship God. After the colonies had been 
established they felt that they were oppressed by Great Britian ; 
they rebelled against taxation without representation, and 
the War of the Revolution resulted; and after the war this 
great country was established. Later, as the result of the 
existence of slavery in the Southern states, the country was 
divided and we had the Civil War, the greatest war ever known 
up to that time. It was a family quarrel, but a most bitter one. 
It developed the greatest man in the United States, yes, in my 
opinion, the greatest man the world ever knew— Abraham 
Lincoln. You have many poor children in Northborough, but 
not one brought up under such adverse circumstances as was 
Lincoln, and by his own efforts he climbed to the highest position 
in the world. His career says to every American if you have the 
right kind of grit you also can climb toward the top. Fifty 
years ago America was a third-rate nation. Today from a 
business standpoint it is the greatest nation in the world. 
Recently, in the North Station in Boston I saw a placard on 
which was given the relative sizes of the American and the 
European armies and navies. Our army was represented by 
only a spot on the map, while our navy ranked third; but the 
bag of gold which represented the richest of the nations showed 
that the United States is many times richer than any other 
country. All this prosperity has come to us in half a century. 
We have seen millionaires spring up upon all sides, and we 
who are prosperous among the American people must not 
forget those hardy sons who labor with their muscles for two, 
three or four dollars a day and for eight, nine or ten hours a day. 
Don't you realize when they see a man going by in his five 
thousand-dollar automobile to the golf links that they must think 
that there is an unequal division of the wealth of the world, 
and that they must hold that it is unfair that they should labor 
from morning till night for just enough to exist, while others 
lie in the lap of luxury? Some day these men will realize 
their power and when they do the rest of the country will have 
to take heed. 

"We want no hyphenated Americans. What we want is 
American Americans. A clergyman was walking through the 
North End of Boston recently, and seeing a little fellow, thought 
he could tell by his appearance to what nationality he belonged, 



494 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

and said 'Are yo\i an Italiano?' and the boy threw back his 
shoulders and replied 'No, sir, I am an Americano.' There 
is the making of a first-class American citizen in that boy. I 
have the greatest faith in the future of these men who come 
from foreign climes. We people who are born in America 
have no appreciation of liberty because we have taken it as a 
matter of course, but many of the foreign-born citizens come 
from countries where oppression was the rule and they fully 
appreciate American liberty. And if the Star-Spangled Banner 
is ever attacked those men will be found standing shoulder to 
shoulder with us Americans fighting for this country. 

"It is a curious thing that this, the most prosperous country 
in the world, is never prepared for war. In '61 the North was 
absolutely unprepared and for two years while we were becom- 
ing prepared the South had the better of the argument; but 
after we became prepared, then the North won. In the Spanish 
War in '98 America was again unprepared. Wealthy men in 
Boston who saw visions of a demolition of the city by a Spanish 
fleet, removed their valuables to Worcester, and now again the 
country is absolutely unprepared. We have sent thousands of 
young men to the Mexican border and we have left at home 
women and children greatly in need of help. This affair with 
Mexico may amount to nothing, but we of the home guard 
must remember that these young men enlisted for war exactly 
the same as if war did exist. I am politically opposed to 
President Wilson, but I want to thank him for keeping us out 
of war ; but if war does come, the motto of every loyal American 
will be one flag, one country, and one president. 

"The army of '61 was made up of boys seventeen, eighteen, 
nineteen, and twenty years of age and the army of 1916 is another 
army of boys. Many — very many — of the boys of '61 never 
returned and if we had a war with Mexico, very many of our 
boys would not return. 

"Into a ward of the whitewashed walls. 

Where the dead and the dying lay, 
Wounded by bayonet shells and balls, 

Somebody's darling was borne one day, — 
Somebody's darling, so young and brave, 

Wearing yet on his sweet, pale face, 
Soon to be hid in the dust of the grave, 

The lingering light of his boyhood's grace. 

"Matted and damp are the curls of gold, 
Kissing the snow of that fair young brow; 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 495 

Pale are the lips of delicate mould, — 
Somebody's darling is dying now. 

Back from his beautiful blue-veined brow- 
Brush his wandering waves of gold, 

Cross his hands on his bosom now, — 
Somebody's darling is still and cold. 

"Kiss him once for somebody's sake, 

Murmur a prayer, soft and low; 
One bright curl from its fair mates take. 

They were somebody's pride, you know; 
Somebody's hand hath rested there — 

Was it a mother's soft and white? 
Or have the lips of a sister fair 

Been baptized in those waves of light? 

"God knows best; he has somebody's love; 

Somebody's heart enshrined him there; 
Somebody wafted his name above 

Night and morn on the wings of prayer; 
Somebody wept when he marched away, 

Looking so handsome, brave and grand; 
Somebody's kiss on his forehead lay. 

Somebody clung to his parting hand. 

"Somebody's watching and waiting for him, — 

Yearning to hold him again to her heart; 
And there he lies, with his blue eyes dim, 

And the smiling, childlike lips apart; 
Tenderly bury the fair young dead, 

Pausing to drop on his grave a tear; 
Carve on the wooden slab at his head : 

'Somebody's Darling slumbers here.' 

"The greatest institution in the world is the church and it 
is the institution that is most easily neglected. Take your 
automobile and go into the country, perhaps through a wooded 
strip where the houses are a half a mile apart, and of a sudden 
come to a clearing and you see a little white church with its 
spire pointing to Heaven. Around it are clustered half a dozen 
houses and you instinctively feel that if you wer& to rap on the 
front door of any one of those houses you would get a Christian 
welcome. The church stands for law, order, and good govern- 
ment and where no churches exist you always find the opposite. 
There are a hundred and sixty-eight hours in the week. Did 



496 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

you ever stop to think that the church asks but one? You have 
plenty of time for golf, theatres, cards, and dancing. How 
easy it is to find an excuse for not going to church. I believe 
that all churches are working for a common purpose and that 
all Christians should work together. Practically all of us inherit 
our religious creeds. My father and mother were Universalists. 
When I was a child I went to a Universalist Sunday-school. 
Naturally, when I grew up I went to the Universalist Church. 
In that church I have heard able men tell why my religion is 
better than any other and they have satisfied me and I have 
never looked into any other religion. There isn't the slightest 
doubt in my mind that if my father and mother had been Con- 
gregationalists, I would be a Congregationalist; if they had been 
Catholics, I would be a Catholic, and if they had been Jews, I 
would be a Hebrew. 

"It is ungentlemanly and unpatriotic to call people of different 
nationalities by nickname. You hurt their feelings and accom- 
plish absolutely nothing. Because a person is black it is con- 
temptible to call him a nigger and you always want to remember 
that the accident of birth made you white. Had your parents 
been black, you too would be a nigger. To call the Irish tads 
and micks, and the Jews sheenies, is contemptible. I know very 
many Jewish people who are among the best people of my 
acquaintance. They have the faculty of making money while 
all the rest of us are striving to make money, and a lot of us are 
jealous of the Jews because they are more clever at the trick. 

"I believe that each one of you is a patriot. I believe that 
each one of you is willing, if need be, to fight for his country, 
to fight for the Star-Spangled Banner — 

"Your flag and my flag! 

And, O, how much it holds — 
Your land and my land — 

Secure within its folds! 
Your heart and my heart 

Beat quicker at the sight! 
Sun-kissed and wind-tossed. 

Red and blue and white. 
The one fiag — the great flag — 

The flag for me and you — 
Glorifies all else beside — 

The red and white and blue." 

Mr. Bristol: 

"Some years ago a noted member of Congress from the State 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 497 

of Connecticut was speaking from the floor of Congress, when 
he said : 'The best country in the world is the United States of 
America; the best state in the United States is Connecticut; 
the best town in Connecticut is Norwich; and the best house 
in Norwich is my house.' I want to change that a Httle and say: 
The best country in the world is the United States of America; 
the best state in the United States is Massachusetts; the best 
town in Massachusetts is Northborough ; and the best member 
of the House of Representatives is our representative, the 
Hon. John Jacob Rogers, Congressman from the Fifth District. 
I take great pleasure in presenting to you our Congressman, the 
Hon. John Jacob Rogers." 

SPEECH OF HON. JOHN JACOB ROGERS 

''Friends of Northborough: I esteem it a very great privilege 
to be permitted to be with you today, and to take a small 
part in the exercises attending the celebration of the one hundred 
and fiftieth anniversary of the founding of Northborough. I 
esteem it, too, a privilege to be the representative in Congress 
of a town like this, for it is just such New England communities 
which represent the best in our modern life, and strive unceas- 
ingly to keep vigorously alive our worthiest American traditions, 
and our finest American manhood and womanhood. 

"Northborough is older than the United States; she was a 
thriving town before even the boldest and the most prophetic 
among the colonists foresaw the Declaration of Independence 
and the separation from the mother country. And yet, almost 
at the moment of her birth, came the first tangible evidences 
out of which the analyst might have constructed Lexington, 
Concord, and Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown. 

"The Seven Years' War had been waged in Europe from 
1756 to 1763. Among its major consequences had been, through 
the genius of Frederick the Great, the advent of Prussia as a 
world power. It had driven the French from India and from 
the North American continent. With a narrowness and pro- 
vincialism of view which perhaps were natural a century before 
Atlantic cables and fast steamers, the American colonies knew 
this great world-struggle as the 'French and Indian War.' After 
peace was agreed upon in 1763, England found herself powerful 
but poor. She thought it but fair that the colonies, which had 
greatly benefited by the war, should bear some of its financial 
burdens. So, under Grenville, the prime minister of the day, 
the Stamp Act came to be passed in 1764. It was to go into 
effect November 1, 1765. But a storm of violent dissent and 



498 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

anger rose all over the colonies. The protest against 'Taxation 
without Representation' took tangible form, not to be ignored. 
The Grenville ministry went out of office in July, 1765, and a 
new ministry of moderate Whigs, under Lord Rockingham, 
succeeded. This ministry deemed the protests of the colonies 
not unreasonable, and so, in March, 1766, the obnoxious Stamp 
Act was repealed, without ever having, practically speaking, 
gone into effect. 

"A quotation from a Boston newspaper of the day describes 
the reception in America of the tidings of the repeal : 

"GLORIOUS NEWS" 

"Boston, Friday 11 o'clock, 16th May, 1766. This 

"instant arrived here the Brig Harrison, belonging to 

"John Hancock, Esq.; Captain Shubael Coffin, in 6 Weeks 

"and 2 Days from London, with important news, as follows: 

'From the London Gazette. 

'Westminster, March 18th, 1766.' 

(Then follows the account of the repeal). 

"When the King went to the House of Peers to give 
'the royal assent, there was such a vast concourse of 
'people, huzzaing, clapping hands, etc., that it was several 
'hours before his Majesty reached the House. Immedi- 
'ately on his Majesty's signing the royal assent to the 
'Repeal of the Stamp Act, the merchants trading to 
'America dispatched a vessel which had been in wait- 
'ing to put into the first port on the continent with 
'the account. 

"There were the greatest rejoicings possible in the 
'City of London, by all ranks of people, on the total 
' Repeal of the Stamp Act. The ships in the river displayed 
'all their colours, illuminations and bonfires in many 
'parts. In short, the rejoicings were as great as was 
'ever known on any occasion. 

"It is said the Acts of trade relating to America would 
'be taken under consideration and all grievances removed. 
'The friends to America are very powerful, and disposed 
'to assist us to the utmost of their ability. Captain Blake 
'sailed the same day with Captain Coffin and Capt. 
'Shand a fortnight before him, both bound to this port. 

"It is impossible to express the joy the town is now in 
'on receiving the above great, glorious and important 
'news. The bells in all the churches were immediately 
'set a ringing, and we hear the day for a general rejoicing 
'will be the beginning of next week." 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 499 

"So Northborough came into being in the midst of these 
stirring times, and almost at the moment of the first conspic- 
uous victory of the colonies against their parent. She comes 
naturally by a love of freedom and a sense of high patriotic 
duty. 

"But the victory was short-lived. The Rockingham ministry 
lasted but a year, and August, 1766— one hundred and fifty years 
ago, almost to a day — it gave way to a ministry under William 
Pitt, now made Earl of Chatham. 'Had Pitt retained his 
mastery, all might have gone well; but his health failed, his 
leadership became a mere form, real power fell to other men 
with no wide, perceiving vision like his own, and America was 
presently put once again in revolutionary mood.' 

"It may be said that that change of ministry, one hundred 
and fifty years ago, made inevitable the Revolutionary War. 
And so it may be said with equal truth that the birthday of 
Northborough was also the birthday of the new nation. 

"It is interesting to note how the half-century cycles of North- 
borough's history have been connected with great wars. The 
year 1766 closely followed the Seven Years' War and presaged 
the Revolutionary War, The year 1816, its fiftieth birthday 
closely followed the end of our 'Second War for Independence,' 
the War of 1812, and the immeasurably greater European War 
which culminated in Waterloo and the downfall of Napoleon. 
The year 1866, its hundredth anniversary, was but a few months 
after the forces of the Confederacy laid down their arms and 
ended our great Civil War. And the present year of grace 
witnesses the mightiest conflict, whether from the standpoint of 
nations and men engaged, of casualties, of money, or of issues, 
in the whole history of the world. 

"These half-century periods are noteworthy, too, because they 
epitomize the entire history of the United States. Seventeen 
hundred and sixty-six marks the budding of the spirit of Inde- 
pendence which came to full fruition less than a decade later. 
Eighteen hundred and sixteen marks the assumption by the 
infant nation of a dignified, permanent place among the powers 
of the world, and the throwing off of the shackles which had 
hitherto hampered its trade and its operations upon the 
Atlantic Ocean. 

"Because a true appreciation of a wise course for the future 
demands an examination of the events of the past, and because 
there seems to be a singular coincidence in many respects between 
the position of the United States in 1816 and her position in 1916, 
I wish here to digress for a moment to examine the state of 



500 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

our commercial relations with Europe at the close of the Napole- 
onic Wars. Let me quote the words of President Wilson in his 
'History of the American People,' (vol. Ill, pages 239-242). 

'"Peace changed the very face of trade. . . . English 
merchants poured their goods once again into the American 
ports, so long shut against them by embargoes and war. ... It 
was manifestly a menace to every young industry that a flood 
of English imports should continue to pour into the country 
at the open ports. The remedy was a protective tariff. . . . 
Every State in the Union except Delaware and North Carolina 
was represented by at least one member in the vote which 
established it. Men of the most diverse views and interests 
united in wishing to give the country not only political but also 
economic independence.' 

"The method of 'dumping' English goods into the United 
States, to w^hich President Wilson refers, was explained in the 
English Parliament by Lord Brougham, the ablest English 
statesman of his day: 'It is well worth while to incur a loss 
upon the first exportation in order, by the glut, to stifle in the 
cradle those rising manufacturies in the United States which the 
war has forced into existence contrary to the natural state of 
things.' 

"Horace Greeley thus describes the condition of things prior 
to the tariff act passed a hundred years ago : 

" 'At the close of thesecond war with England, peace found this 
country dotted with furnaces and factories which had sprung 
up under the precarious shelter of embargo and war. Those 
not yet firmly established found themselves suddenly exposed to a 
relentless and determined foreign competition. Great Britain 
poured her fabrics far below cost upon our markets in a perfect 
deluge. Our manufactures went down like grass before the 
mower, and our agriculture and the wages of labor speedily 
followed. Financial prostration was general and the presence 
of debt was universal. In New England fully one-fourth of the 
prosperity went through the sheriff's mill. ... In New York the 
leading merchants in 1817 united in a memorial to Congress to 
save our commerce as well as our manufactures from utter 
ruin by increasing the tariff duties. 

"Will any one deny that there is a striking parallelism between 
our situation in 1816 and our situation in 1916 or '17 — or 
whenever the war in Europe comes to that end for which we all 



yearn 



"Then as now Europe had engaged in a frightful and devastat- 
ing conflict. With the advent of peace she will seek to build up 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 501 

her trade at the expense of the United States, just as she did 
a century ago. It is true that we were engaged as a participant 
in the war of a hundred years ago, while we are — up to the 
present time at least — looking upon the present conflict as a 
neutral. But that does not, I think, alter the nature of the 
problem with which we shall be confronted when the war comes 
to an end. We must prepare to meet that problem. It is not 
for me, in this company, and at this time, to argue the nature of 
the solution; it is perhaps sufficient to state the parallel and 
leave you to consider the proper remedy. 

"So much for 1816. As 1766 marked the beginnings of the 
first war for independence, and as 1816 marked the beginning 
of the era of industrial and commercial independence, 1866 
marked the beginning of an undivided nation. The abolition of 
slavery and the denial for all time of the right of a state or of a 
group of states to secede from the nation were the twofold con- 
tribution of the men who wore the blue in the Civil War. It 
is a pleasure and an honor to see so many of that host of the army 
of the republic in this gathering today. We are always proud 
to acknowledge the undying debt we owe them. 

"The year 1866 — the centenary of Northborough's birth, 
marks, then, the latest stage of our national development. A 
strong, free, united people have prospered mightily in the last 
fifty years. The war of 1898 brought us new responsibilities — 
the responsibilities of an empire added to those of a nation. 
For the last twenty years we have — whether we like it or not — 
become truly a world-power. But this was evolution; it could 
not have been long delayed. The Monroe Doctrine was one 
cause; the cable, the fleet steamer, and the annihilation of space 
by science were also potent. We have not grown larger — the 
world has grown smaller. The news of the repeal of the Stamp 
Act took six weeks to reach Boston when Northborough was 
born; now we know in a few seconds what London, Paris, Berlin, 
Petrograd, or Tokio are doing and saying. 

"So we have grown to man's estate; with a man's thoughts, a 
man's duties, a man's privileges, and a man's temptations. We 
have, as a nation, striven to keep the faith; let not our great 
prosperity of the moment benumb our sensibilities or render 
us incapable of right thinking and right living. The true New 
England town, of which Northborough is typical, has been a 
powerful bulwark for good. 

"Friends, you, in celebrating this day, are doing more than a 
local service; you are playing a national part as well. You are 
aiding in upholding the traditions of an institution which is 



502 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

potent and far-reaching. I close as I began ; I congratulate you 
upon this glorious day and this splendid gathering; I thank you 
for allowing me to take part in your exercises; and I hope that I 
may greet you all when Northborough's span of life measures 
two hundred years." 

Mr. Bristol: 

"We are always glad to go to our grandparents at Thanksgiving 
time, and on other festal occasions, and see all the loved ones in 
the family circle, but today instead of going to the old homestead 
to meet the dear ones there, our grandmother has sent her 
representative to visit us in our own home, and bring us words 
of cheer. I will introduce to you John Rice, Esq., who brings to 
us words of greeting from our grandmother, the City of Marl- 
borough." 

JOHN RICE 

"ikfr Chairman, and Friends of Northhorough: I regret to 
announce the illness of Mayor Farley, of Marlborough, who 
expected to be present today as a representative of the City of 
Marlborough, which is the mother of all the borough towns. 

"As the representative of the City of Marlborough I thank 
you very kindly for the invitation to be present and speak to you. 

"The history of the Town of Northborough, in the early days, 
is really a part of the history of Marlborough because you did 
not separate from your mother town until your mother was 
about one hundred years of age. I viewed the parade and 
exhibits along the Main Street of your town this morning, and 
there passed through my mind how the old Indian trail had 
changed to a town road and finally had now become the State 
Highway from Boston to New York. I thought of the wonderful 
progress made by your local bank, and the dividends paid during 
the last half century are a tribute to the honor and integrity 
of the men who have guided that institution. I looked through 
your old town reports and I read the names of honored citizens 
who have come and gone since the town was founded, and I 
think today with regret that those who made it possible for 
this town to endure, cannot view through human eyes the fruits 
of their labors. 

"As I look out from this hillside across the village, the several 
church spires convince me that the morals of the town are well 
guarded and that the people of Northborough live in an honest 
and upright community. From where we are now gathered 
you can see the hilltops of Marlborough, like ever-watching 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 503 

sentinels, patiently guarding and guiding her daughter who 
launched into a career of her own a century and a half ago. 

"The history of the colonial days is the history of the families 
of the Rices and the Brighams and the Fays. As time went on 
and changes occurred, new peoples have moved into your midst 
to aid and assist the sons of your forefathers in conducting the 
civic and business affairs of the town. 

"One of the pleasantest sights to greet our eyes today was the 
patriotic demonstration at the unfurling of the American flag. 
Some call it Old Glory, some call it the Star-Spangled Banner, 
but it is the same flag which the hands of Betsy Ross wove into a 
robe of glory. May this flag forever wave on the hilltops and 
church spires of Northborough. 

"The history of any town is but a representation of the thought 
and influence of its leading men in the days which have gone 
by, and it must be said that the history of Northborough reflects 
nothing but the honor, the integrity and the morality of thought- 
ful and conscientious men. 

"The message I bring from your mother, City of Marlborough, 
is that you may forever endure a progressive community in which 
your citizens live amongst each other in peace and harmony; 
each thoughtfully and carefully fulfilling his or her place in the 
world, to the end that the morals and the civic welfare of this 
community shall always become the object of admiration. 

"If the spirits of the illustrious dead can ever participate in 
the cares and concerns of this community, may they look down 
with scrutiny upon the conduct of all citizens to see to it that 
you never deviate from those paths of honesty and morality 
which it was their wont to instill into the history of this com- 
munity." 

Mr. Bristol: 

"Young people after a certain number of years generally leave 
the old home and set up housekeeping for themselves. After 
they are settled in their new home they love to have the parents 
come and visit them to show what good housekeepers they are. 
Sometimes towns do the same thing. As a rule one of the young 
people generally changes her name. It is the same generally 
with towns; but when this town left the old home and set up 
housekeeping for herself she did not change her family name 
but still adheres to the borough. Today, after those few short 
one hundred and fifty years our mother sends to greet her child 
and bid her God-speed. We are happy to welcome and intro- 
duce our mother's delegate, Mr. M. H. Walker, of Westborough." 



504 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

M. H. WALKER, WESTBOROUGH 

"It is altogether fitting that the mother town should be 
represented at the celebration of the daughter's one hundred 
and fiftieth birthday, and it gives me great pleasure to bring her 
congratulations and good wishes. 

"When Northborough was set off she took away nearly one- 
half of the territory of Westborough and no inconsiderable 
portion of the inhabitants. 

"Naturally her leaving the old home caused regret and perhaps 
some feeling of bitterness, but all this soon passed away, and 
the mother came to be proud of the growth and prosperity of 
the new town and from that time on the most cordial and friendly 
feeling has been maintained. 

"Beyond question Northborough has compared favourably 
with other towns of the Commonwealth in all material things, 
and also in those higher and nobler things which has made our 
Commonwealth our pride and glory. 

"Before the incorporation, while yet a precinct of the old town, 
a church and schoolhouse were built, and a minister and school- 
master were provided. 

"From this beginning, a warm and earnest interest in religion 
and education was maintained, and no sacrifice has been deemed 
too great for these vital things. 

"Not only has a deep interest been felt in all that concerned 
the town, but the interests of the state and nation as well. 

"When the events immediately preceding the beginning of 
the War of the Revolution occurred, Northborough was among 
the first to respond to the call with men and means. 

"A full company of Minute-Men marched for Concord on the 
day of the fight there on the 19th of April, 1775. All through 
the long and sometimes disheartening contest her faith and 
courage never failed. 

"In the war of 1812-14 she had her full share. When Presi- 
dent Lincoln called for volunteers to preserve the Union, North- 
borough responded nobly, sending her full quota and more, some 
of these becoming members of regiments distinguished for their 
valor on many hard-fought fields. 

"Had not her sons and others like them answered to their 
country in her time of peril, we should not stand today under 
our beloved flag you have unfurled here. 

"May the future deal as kindly with you as the past has done, 
and your sons be as ready to answer calls of duty and service 
as have the fathers, and your children of each succeeding genera- 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 505 

tion grow to be as honest, intelligent, patriotic and God-fearing 
as they." 

Mr. Bristol: 

"We are pleased to have with us today our representative to 
the Great and General Court of Massachusetts from this district. 
I present to you Hon. A. W. Whiting, of Clinton." 

(Mr. Whiting's address was not written.) 

Mr. Bristol: 

"There is present in our midst on this occasion one who was 
present fifty years ago at the one hundredth anniversary, and 
who spoke a few words of greeting at that time. I think he has 
a few words for us today, when we and he are fifty years older. 
I present to you Mr. W. E. Parkhurst, of Clinton." 

(Mr. Parkhurst's address was not written.) 

THE PAGEANT 

The celebration was brought to a close on Thursday evening, 
August 17, with a remarkable pageant illustrating the town's 
history. It is deeply regretted by the committee that a detailed 
account of this feature cannot be given. It was intended to 
record the event in detail, including the names of all those who 
participated in it. But for some unaccountable reason those 
names were not kept. All that we can say is, the pageant was 
a remarkably beautiful affair which drew to the grounds thou- 
sands of people. It is estimated that five hundred automobiles 
were parked in the enclosure. 

The following program will give an idea of the magnitude 
of the event: 

NORTHBOROUGH PAGEANT 
Mitchell's Field Marlborough Road 

August 17, 1916, Eight O'clock P.M. 
Audience to occupy the slope east of the field; audience is 
respectfully requested to keep off the field itself. 

I 

Episode 1. Indian warrior on guard; enter tribe of Nipmuck 
Indians; campfire; scout indicates approach of a white man. 

Episode 2. Enter John Brigham, the first white settler; after 
some parleying he is allowed to pass; later John Brigham's build- 
ing is burned. 



506 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

Episode 3. Mrs. Fay and Mary Goodenow attacked by a party 
of Indians while gathering herbs in the meadow; Mrs. Fay 
escapes; Mary Goodenow is killed. 

Interlude 
II 
Episode 1. Settlers on their way to church. 
Episode 2. The Dames school. 

Ill 

Postman arrives bringing news of the activity of the British ; 
Minute-Men called to arms; Addressed by Parson Whitney; 
Departure of the Minute-Men. 

Tableau: "Spirit of 76." 

IV 

Tableau: Industries of Northborough. 

V 
Farewell to Gov. John Davis. 

VI 

Tableau representing Civil War; celebration at close of the war. 

VII 

Tableau; Singing "Hymn to Northborough"; "America." 
Audience requested to join in the singing. 

The celebration was brought to a close by the singing of the 

following : 

HYMN TO NORTHBOROUGH 

By JosiAH Coleman Kent 
Dear Northborough, our native town, 

Set in the midst of hill and vale. 
Upon thy beauty we look down 

And all thy grandeur proudly hail. 

Thou art to us a mother, fair; 

With kindly mien, and pride of birth 
Thou holds't us in thy tender care 

By virtue of thine own true worth. 

Thou taught us virtue we should heed. 

And righteousness to ever seek; 
To look to God in ev'ry need. 

And seek his strength to guide our feet. 

Thy children now with thought aright 
Unite to sing thy glorious praise. 

And vindicate thy faultless sight 
That placed in us so much of faith. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 507 

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT 

The following statement was rendered to the committee by 
Chief Carbrey shortly after the celebration : 

"The Northborough Police Department, consisting of Harry 
F. Carbrey, Chief, Solomon A. Goddard and Shepley P. Sawyer, 
were assisted during the celebration by special police appointed 
by the selectmen, as follows: Charles Winthrop Gibson, Charles 
H. LaPorte, Clarence E. Bailey, and Lewis H. Smith of North- 
borough; Thomas Prescott, James Finneran and Alfred Harper, 
of the Worcester Police Department; and Bertrand Mitchell 
and Hugh McNiff, of the Marlborough Police Department. 

"The parade was led by the Northborough police. Every- 
thing moved off in a very orderly manner; not a person was seen 
under the influence of liquor during the two days of the cele- 
bration; no arrests were made, and the only disturbance that 
occurred was the ordering out of town of an objectionable fakir," 

THE NORTHBOROUGH BRASS BAND 

Louis A. Wheeler (Marlborough), Leader 

C. Montford Brigham Walter Peintze 

Walter O. Brigham Francis G. Logan 

Solomon Goddard Leslie H. Smith 

Thomas White Albert Carr 

Ernest Moore Frank Lilley 

Lorin Harrington Charles Brigham 

Norman B. Potter Elmer T. Bemis 

Stephen W. Norcross Waldo Bemis 

Martin M. Ryan Julian Goddard 

Lindsey Jones Elmer Odell 

Sidney Walls Hector Marcheterre 

Fred Kilborne, of Westborough 

Fred Pidgean, of Clinton 

George Crowe, of Westborough 

Fred Byron, of Hudson 

O. D. Wheeler, of Marlborough 

A TRAINED NURSE 

In planning the details of the celebration it was the desire 
of the committee to take all necessary precautions against 
accidents, sickness, etc. And to this end the committee voted 
to engage a trained nurse, who should be on duty during both 
days of the celebration. When this matter was brought to the 
attention of the Northborough Woman's Club that club very 
generously offered to assume entire responsibility for the nurse. 



508 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 

They accordingly appointed a committee — Mrs. Noah Wads- 
worth, to make all necessary arrangements for the same. Mrs. 
Wadsworth procured a nurse with full equipment. She estab- 
lished her headquarters in the parlor of the Evangelical Congre- 
gational Church (through the courtesy of the Standing Committee 
of the church), and was on duty during both days of the cele- 
bration. We are happy to record, however, that the only duty 
she was called upon to render was to bind up a slight scratch 
which was caused by some one falling out of a float. The 
expense to the Northborough Woman's Club was ten dollars. 
The nurse was Miss Anna M. Hunt, of Worcester, 

HOW THE PEOPLE WERE FED 

How to feed a large number of people on any festive occasion 
is always a serious problem. It was so to our Anniversary 
Committee. But they finally settled the matter by appointing 
a committee to investigate the feasibility of employing a caterer. 
The committee was composed as follows: 

Wilbur H. Duplissis, Chairman 
Miss Ada A. McClure Frank J. Russell 

Henry W. Paul Chester E. Hildreth 

This committee made a careful investigation. They con- 
sulted caterers in Boston, Worcester, Framingham, and other 
places, and finally reported that Caterer F. O. Anderson of 
Hudson would furnish a dinner consisting of cold ham, tongue, 
and roast beef, hot mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, sliced 
cucumbers, tomatoes, hot rolls, tea and cofifee, assorted cake, 
ice cream and sherbet, for sixty cents per plate — the committee 
to furnish a hall, tables and waiters. He stipulated however, 
that he should be guaranteed the sale of two hundred and fifty 
tickets. The committee recommended that Mr. Anderson's 
offer be accepted. 

The General Committee accepted the recommendation, and 
appointed this investigating committee as a permanent Dinner 
Committee with full power of action. 

This proved to be the right thing to do; for the sequel showed 
that about five hundred tickets were sold long before dinner 
time, and at 12.30 o'clock that number of people sat down 
and enjoyed a dinner that was satisfactory in every way. 

RECEPTION AT THE PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE 

At a meeting of the Reception Committee the thought was 
expressed that there are a good many elderly people in the town, 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 509 

representatives of some of the old families, and others, who have 
helped to make the town what it is, who are closely connected 
with its history and traditions, but who are, on account of their 
age, debarred from taking an active part in the anniversary 
program. The committee, believing that they should have 
part in the festivities of this gala occasion, consequently voted 
to hold a reception for them at the Public Library, on the after- 
noon of Wednesday, August 16 (which day was designated on 
the program as "Old Home Day"), that they might have an 
opportunity to meet their friends comfortably, pleasantly, and 
without fatigue. The following committee was chosen for 
that purpose: 

Mrs. Samuel T. Maynard Mrs. Sarah E. Emery 

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. Blair Mrs. Rose Bowden 

Dr. and Mrs. John L. Coffin Miss Cora Small 
Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Thomas 

Individual invitations were sent to all elderly residents of 
the town, so far as the committee could learn of them. They 
were invited to meet at the library from three-thirty to five 
o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, August 16, to meet their 
friends, and also to view the parade on the morning of August 17. 

The committee took great pleasure in making the arrange- 
ments. They were cordially assisted by others in entertaining 
and serving their guests. 

The reception proved a success far beyond anything the 
committee had hoped. The weather was perfect in every way. 
The guests began to arrive soon after three o'clock and con- 
tinued to come till the library was taxed to its utmost. A table 
was daintily laid in the trustees' room from which the guests 
were served light refreshments, cooling drinks and hot tea. 
Everyone was asked to register, and all were given an oppor- 
tunity to meet the arriving guests and be introduced to one 
another. 

It was an occasion long to be remembered. The attractive, 
unique setting of the library rooms, the older guests, many 
of whom had thought their reception days had passed, 
enjoying the festivities as much as ever, the meeting of old 
friends, the out-of-town visitors conversing together in interested 
groups, all made a picture of significant interest. 

The older residents were the honored guests of the occasion; 
but as others arrived they were introduced to them, and many 
an old friend or acquaintance was revealed in the meeting. 
Guests continued to arrive all the afternoon, and departing, felt 
that they would long remember this interesting and appropriate 
part of the Old Home Day celebration. 



510 NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



THE BOY SCOUTS 



Troop 1, Northborough, Boy Scouts of America, rendered 
valuable service during both days of the celebration and re- 
flected much credit upon themselves. On Tuesday, August 15, 
they, under the leadership of their scoutmaster, Clarence E. 
Bailey, pitched camp on Mt. Assabet that they might be the 
better prepared for service. They found plenty of work to do, 
and they did it with that willingness and loyalty which have 
come to be characteristic of the Boy Scout creed. On Wednes- 
day, August 16, they assisted the anniversary committees by 
running errands. They also took part in the children's parade, 
carrying a large flag. On August 17, they again assisted the 
committees at the town hall, and in keeping the crowd back 
during the athletic contests. They also took part in the grand 
parade. In this, they had the co-operation of Troop 52, of 
Shrewsbury, marching under the direction of Assistant Scout- 
master Fletcher. On August 18 they assisted Park Com- 
missioner William R. Frazer in clearing the park of paper and 
other rubbish. Then they broke camp. The boys had their 
enjoyment of the celebration in helping others. 

Troop 1, of Northborough, was made up as follows: 
Clarence E. Bailey, Scoutmaster 
Gordon B. Ringold, Patrol Leader 
Everett Nelson, Assistant Patrol Leader 
Melvin L. Smith, Secretary Charles W. Felt, Bugler 

Edward Nelson, Treasurer 
Robert Frazer Ubert Zeh 

Elmer Norcross J. Bailey Brennan 

William Felt Albert Nelson 

Charles Bigelow 

REUNION OF THE HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 

Provision was made on the anniversary program for the 
reunion of schools, societies, families, etc. Advantage was 
taken of this opportunity by the High School Alumni Association. 
The forty-fifth annual reunion of this association was held on 
the afternoon of Wednesday, August 16, in the high school build- 
ing and on the church green. The officers of this association 
were 

President, Herbert A. Whitcomb 
Vice-President, Frank Russell 
Secretary, FAN^fY Bemis Treasurer j Harry F. Allen 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 511 

Executive Committee 
Mrs. Frank Eames Miss Annie Heath 

Mrs. C. Montford Brigham Josiah L. Moore 

Norman B. Potter 

After the usual business had been disposed of an hour of 
unusually interesting reminiscences of school days was in- 
dulged in, among the speakers being DeWitt Farwell, Frederick 
H. Johnson, Frederick K. McKenzie, Justin Bemis, J. Allen 
Johnson, Mrs. Hattie Adams Gibson, George Green, Robert 
I. Bramhall, Mrs. Hortense Stone Corey, William Green, Mrs. 
Ida Brooks Colburn, Dr. Harry Loud, Mrs. Alice Rathburn 
Harvey, James E. Corey, Mrs. Amy Barnes Maynard, and Nelson 
G. Howard. 

Everyone was especially glad to see two former teachers. 
Nelson G. Howard and Robert I. Bramhall, and to listen to 
their pleasant reminiscences. Mr. Howard was principal of the 
school from 1893 to 1896, and Mr. Bramhall from 1909 to 1912. 
After the speaking a pleasant social hour was spent in the re- 
newal of acquaintances and in the enjoyment of light re- 
freshments. 

There was an unusually large number of alumni and friends 
present, and all agreed that this was the most interesting re- 
union that the Association had ever held. 



TOWN OFFICERS, 1916 

Moderator, George F. Sargent 

Town Clerk, Harry F. Allen 

Treasurer, Norman B. Potter 

Collector of Taxes, Frank Gates 
Selectmen Assessors 

Hermon L. Sparrow Walter O. Allen 

Allison I. Duplissis Herbert L. Kimball 

Ezra H. Bigelow Walter J. Bigelow 

Overseers of the Poor School Committee 

Elwyn H. Bemis Edwin S. Corey 

Hiram G. Collins Blanche E. Kimball 

Charles A. Bigelow Josiah C. Kent 

Constables Water Commissioners 

Henry F. Carbrey Wilbur H. Duplissis 

Solomon A. Goddard Louis J. Burdett 

Shepley P. Sawyer Curtis H. Burdett 



512 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



Park Commissioners 
Charles Henry Rice 
Samuel T. Maynard 
William R. Frazer 



A uditors 
Chester E. Hildreth 
Bertis E. Thayer 



Sarah E. Emery 
Anna E. Sargent 
Cora Small 
C. Helen Downer 

Trustees of the Gale and 

Wood Funds 
Ezra H. Bigelow 
Fred J. Proctor 
Justin W. Bemis 

Trustees of the Hasting Fund 
Clarence E. Buckley 
George A. Brigham 
William J. Potter 

Fence Viewers 
Lewis F. Stratton 
Guilford P. Heath 
Thornton E. Mentzer 



Trustees of the Public Library 
Josiah C. Kent 



Clarence E. Buckley 
John L. Coffin 
Thomas H. Blair 
Walter B. Mayo 

Trustees of the Gassett 
Fund 
George A. Brigham 
Philip G. Hilliard 
Norman R. Potter 

Cemetery Commissioners 
Charles Henry Rice 
Cyrus H. Mentzer 
Walter B. Mayo 

Registrars of Voters 
Robert G. Brigham 
Seymour LaPorte 
Charles H. LaPorte 
Harry F. Allen 



Engineers of Fire Department 
Harry F. Carbrey 
Clarence E. Bailey 
Arthur H. Johnson 

Tree Warden, Tarbel P. Haskell 
Superintendent of Streets, Walter J. Bigelow 
Superintendent of Water Works, Wilbur H. Duplissis 
Sealer of Weights and Measures, Allyn D. Phelps 
Inspector of Animals, Everett C. Valentine 
Inspector of Slaughtering, Horace Chase 



APPENDIX 



514 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



TOWN OFFICERS 

FROM 1744 TO 1765 NORTHBOROUGH WAS A PRECINCT 

OF WESTBOROUGH 

Precinct Committee 



(Correspond 
James Ball, 1744. 
Capt. James Eager, 1744-54. 
Lieut. William Holloway, 1744-49; 

51; 55. 
Matthias Rice, 1744-47; 55; 57; 59- 

63. 
Jonathan Livermore, 1744-52; 54- 

55; 62-64. 
Bezaleel Eager, 1745-46; 50-57; 

59-64. 
Jesse Brigham, 1745; 49; 60. 
John McAllister, 1746. 
Nathan Ball, 1748; 50; 52-56. 
Thomas Billing, 1749 
Jacob Rice, 1750; 52; 56-58; 60- 

61; 63. 



ing to Selectmen) 

Samuel Wood, 1751-60. 
Timothy Fay, 1753; 58-65. 
Daniel Mahan, 1754. 
Josiah Bowker, 1755, 57. 
Levi Brigham, 1756. 
James Eager, 1756. 
Jothan Bartlett, 1758. 
Paul Newton, 1758; 62; 64. 
John Carruth, 1759. 
Thomas Goodenow, 1761. 
Henry Gassett, 1764-65. 
Stephen Tenney, 1765. 
John Martyn, Jr., 1765. 
Jesse Maynard, 1765. 



Selectmen 



Josiah Rice, 1766-68. 

Jacob Rice, 1766-68; 70. 

Bezaleel Eager, 1766; 68-75. 

Timothy Fay, 1766-68; 71-74. 

Jesse Brigham, 1766-67. 

Levi Brigham, 1767-70; 74-78; 83. 

Paul Newton, 1769-74; 75-78; 85. 

Henry Gassett, 1769-70; 75-78; 83. 

Stephen Tenney, 1769. 

Jonathan Bruce, 1771. 

John Martyn, 1771. 

Dr. Stephen Ball, 1772-73; 83. 

Seth Rice, Jr., 1772; 74-80; 82; 85- 

86; 88-89. 
John Ball, 1775; 80-81; 85; 87. 
Samuel Wood, 1775 in the army; 

81-82. 
Timothy Brigham, 1776-77. 
Thaddeus Fay, 1778-81; 83-87; 90 
Jethro Peters, 1779. 
Artemas Brigham, 1779; 88-89. 
Solomon Goddard, 1779-80. 
Abraham Monroe, 1780-82. 
Francis Eager, 1781-82; 87-89. 
Amos Rice, 1782. 
Isaac Davis, 1783-84; 86-88; 90-94; 

96. 
Gillam Bass, 1784-87. 
Joel Rice, 1784. 
Samuel Gamwell, Jr., 1784. 



Eliphalet Warren, 1786. 
Nathan Green, 1788; 91-94. 
Hollon Maynard, 1788-90. 
Nahum Fav, 1789-94; 1819-28. 
Holloway Taylor, 1790-94. 
Oliver Eager, 1791-94-96; 1806-18. 
John Wyman, 1795-96. 
James Keyes, 1795-1801. 
Winslow Brigham, 1797-1800; 

1806-09. 
Silas Bailey, 1797-1800. 
Samuel Allen, Jr., 1797-99; 1806-08. 
John Winslow, 1800-01. 
Stephen Sibley, 1801-03. 
Silas Bruce, 1801-05. 
Jonas Badcock, 1802-05. 
Thomas L. Whitney, 1802-05. 
John Crawford, 1804-05. 
Jothan Bartlett, 1806-11; 27-33; 

36-38. 
Samuel Seaver, 1809-12; 1816-18. 
Jonas Bartlett, 1810-11; 16-17; 27- 

29; 34-38. 
William Whitney, 1812-15. 
Windsor Stratton, 1812-14. 
William Eager, 1813-14; 16-18. 
Henry Hastings, 1815; 19-20. 
Moses Norcross, 1815. 
Jonathan Bartlett, 1818. 
Joseph Davis, 1819-23; 34-35. 



NORTH BOROUGH HISTORY 



515 



Selectmen {continued) 



Abel Warren, 1819-25. 

Gill Bartlett, 1819-20. 

Jonas Ball, 1821-23. 

Benjamin Monroe, 1821-24; 31-33; 

37—38 
Prentice keyes, 1824-26; 33; 37; 

42. 
Jeremiah Hunt, 1824. 
Amory Barnard, 1825-26. 
Lewis Monroe, 1825-26. 
Gill Valentine, 1826. 
Phineas Davis, 1827-30. 
Thaddeus Mason, 1827-30. 
Cyrus Gale, 1829; 31-33. 
Samuel Fisher, Jr., 1830-35; 39; 44. 
Jacob Pierce, 1830. 
James Maynard, 1831-32. 
Joel Bartlett, 1834-36; 39-43; 47- 

48; 51-52. 
Dana Eager, 1834; 40-44; 48. 
Holloway Bailey, 1835-39; 43. 
Stephen Howe, 1836. 
Paul Newton, 1838. 
Lewis Fay, 1839. 
John Rice, 1839. 
John R. Miller, 1840-41. 
Caleb Maynard, 1840-41. 
Edward B. Bartlett, 1840. 
Henry R. Phelps, 1841. 
Stephen W. Norcross, 1843; 58-59. 
Eben D. Blake, 1844-45. 
Elmer Valentine, 1844-45. 
Cyrus Gale, 1845-46; 82. 
Silas Haynes, 1845. 
William Stratton, 1845; 47-48. 
George H. Williams, 1846; 60-62. 
John Glazier, 1846; 54-56. 
James Potter, 1846-48. 
William T. Haven, 1846. 
Samuel Seaver, 1847-48. 
Abraham W. Seaver, 1849-50. 
Samuel Clark, 1849-59; 64-65; 74- 

76; 78-79. 
John F. Fay, 1849-50. 
James Davis, 1849. 
Henry Barnes, 1849-50. 
George Barnes, 1850-52 ; 57-58; 66- 

68. 
George C. Davis, 1851-53; 55-57. 
Albert Goodrich, 1851-52. 
Henry G. Colburn, 1853. 
Jonathan Bartlett, 1853-54. 
Wilder Bush, 1853. 
Milo Hildreth, 1854. 
Samuel L Rice, 1854; 71-73; 77. 



George G. Valentine, 1855-56; 63-68. 

John Stone, 1855-56. 

William A. Bartlett, 1857-58. 

John Winch, 1857-58. 

Harwood Proctor, 1859. 

T. N. Woodward, 1859. 

Warren T. Bush, 1860-63; 69-70; 80. 

Lewis Fay, 1860-61. 

John B. Parker, 1860-62. 

Richard W. Newton, 1860-63. 

William A. Bartlett, 2nd, 1862-65. 

Warren E. Moore, 1863-65. 

William Burdett, 1864-65. 

Dana Rice, 1866-68. 

Nathaniel Randlett, 1866-68; 

78-80. 
Sam'l Wood, Jr., 1866-68; 89. 
L. L. Moore, 1869-70. 
A. B. Howe, 1869-71. 
Charles Potter, 1871-72; 85-86. 
Henry Kenney, 1872-73. 
Jonas S. Bigelow, 1873. 
David F. Wood, 1874-75. 
Curtis Rice, 1874-76. 
Cyrus Potter, 1876-77; 81. 
E. W. Pierce, 1877. 
Cyrus H. Mentzer, 1878-80; 82- 

84; 95. 
Ezra W. Chapin, 1881. 
Charles A. Rice, 1881. 
Noah Wadsworth, 1882-84. 
Sumner Small, 1883. 
Arthur E. Wood, 1884. 
Josiah Proctor, 1885-86; 90-92.. 
John D. Boyden, 1885-86. 
John L. Allen 1887-88. 
Asa B. Fay, 1887-88; 97-1901. 
Theodore C. Woodward, 1887-88. 
Guilford P. Heath, 1889-98. 
Charles D. Swett, 1889. 
William S. Harrington, 1891-96. 
Walter Valentine, 1892-94. 
Edwin S. Corey, 1895. 
James T. Learned, 1895-1900. 
Walker Russell, 1896. 
William J. Potter, 1897-99. 
George A. Brigham, 1900-05. 
Allyn D. Phelps, 1901-06. 
George W. Allen, 1902-04. 
John K. Mills, 1905-07. 
Thomas H. Blair, 1906. 
John W. Allen, 1907-09. 
Herman M. Peinze, 1908-10. 
Henry H. Cook, 1909. 
Lewis F. Stratton, 1910-12. 



516 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



Selectmen (continued) 

Philip G. Hilliard, 1911-13. Allison I. Duplissis, 1915-21. 

Clarence E. Buckley, 1912-17. Walter O. Brigham, 1917-21. 

Hermon L. Sparrow, 1915-20. Ezra H. Bigelow, 1916-21. 

Town Clerks 
(For the Precinct) 



Jonothan Livermore, 1744-50; 54- 

55; 63-64. 
Samuel Wood, 1751-53; 56-60. 



Bezaleel Eager, 1760-62, 
John Martyn, Jr., 1765. 



Town Clerks 
(For the Town) 



Timothy Fay, 1766-69; 71-72; 74. 

Bezaleel Eager, 1770. 

Zephaniah Briggs, 1773. 

Samuel Wood, 1775. Part of year. 

Paul Newton, 1775-77. 

Jethro Peters, 1778-80. 

Gillam Bass, 1781-87. 

Nahum Fay, 1788-1829. 

Jonas Bartlett, 1829-31. 

Cyrus Gale, 1831-34. 

Martin L. Stow, 1834-35. 

Anson Rice, 1835-38. 



Martin L. Stowe, 1838-43. 

John B. Crawford, 1844-66. 

John L. Stone, 1867-1870. 

A. S. Waite, 1871-72. 

Noah Wadsworth, 1873. Short time 

only. 
A. S. Waite, 1873. 
Anson Rice, 1874. 
John B. Crawford, 1875-87. 
Gilman B. Howe, 1888-99. 
Francis M. Harrington, 1900-15; died. 
Harry F. Allen, 1915-21. 



Assessors 
(For the Precinct) 



Jonathan Livermore, 1744-48; 50- 

52; 54-55; 62-64. 
Thomas Goodenow, 1 744-48 ; 50-53 ; 

56-57; 59-61. 
Thomas Billings, 1744; 46; 48. 
Josiah Bowker, 1745; 49. 
Bezaleel Eager, 1747. 
Joshua Townsend, 1749. 



Timothy Fay, 1749-50; 60-62; 65. 

Jacob Rice, 1751; 53; 63; 65. 

Samuel Wood, 1752-58; 60; deceased. 

Stephen Tenney, 1754. 

Paul Newton, 1755-59; 62; 64. 

John Martyn, Jr., 1758; 61; 63-65. 

Jesse Brigham, l759. 

Jesse Maynard, 1760. 



Assessors 
(For the Town) 



Jacob Rice, 1766-67. 

Timothy Fay, 1766-68; 72-74. 

Levi Brigham, 1766. 

Thomas Goodenow, 1767. 

Paul Newton, 1768-71; 76; 83-89. 

Timothv Brigham, 1768. 

John Martyn, 1769-70. 

Seth Rice, Jr., 1769-70; 72-76; 

77-79; 85-90. 
John Taylor, 1771. 
Samuel Wood, 1771. 
Zephaniah Briggs, 1772. 
Artemas Brigham, 1772; 74-78; 

80-81. 
Jethro Peters, 1775-79. 



Gill Bartlett, 1815. 

John Eager, 1816-17. 

Jonas Ball, 1818-19. 

Prentice Keyes, 1820-21; 27-29; 

31-32; 34; 38-39. 
Taylor Maynard, 1820. 
John F. Fay, 1822-24; 27; 38-39; 41. 
Cyrus Gale, 1823-25; 41; 43. 
Gill Valentine, 1826. 
Joel Bartlett, 1827-32; 34-37; 40; 

45-46. 
Samuel Fisher, Jr., 1828. 
Holloway Bailey, 1829; 33. 
Seth Rice, 1830. 
HoUon Maynard, 1832-33; 36-37; 41. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



517 



Assessors (continued) 



Amos Rice, 1779-81; 95; 96. 

Nahum Fay, 1780; 82. 

Abraham Wood, 1781-82; 95. 

Dr. Stephen Ball, 1781. 

Nathan Green, 1782; 84^86; 90-94. 

Isaac Davis, 1783 — declined. 

Benjamin Wilson, 1783. 

Gillam Bass, 1783-86. 

Samuel Gamwell, Jr., 1783. 

Reuben Badcock, 1787. 

Oliver Eager, 1788-94; 1801; 09-14. 

James Keyes, 1790-94; 1801-1807; 

1811-15; 23. 
Antepas Brigham, 1795-98. 
William Eager, 1797-1800; 1804- 

1807; 10; 13-14; 24-26 
Asaph Rice, 1799-1800; 22; 30. 
Jonas Bartlett, Jr., 1801-03; 

08-09; 15-19; 21-22. 
Jothan Bartlett, 1808-09. 
Phineas Davis, 1810-12; 16-19-21; 

25-26; 31; 33. 
Leonard Barnes, 1860-62. 
John B. Parker, 1863-65. 
Walter Gale, 1866. 
Asa B. Fay, 1867-68. 
Columbus Eames, 1869-70. 
J. L. Stone, 1869-70. 
William A. Bartlett, 1st, 1871-75; 

79. 
Jonas S. Bigelow, 1871; 79; 86-88; 

93-95. 
Richard R. Gates, 1872-76. 
Charles A. Rice, 1873-76; 91-93. 
F. Henry Corey, 1876-77. 
Levi W. Moore, 1877-82. 
Josiah Proctor, 1881. 
Guilford P. Heath, 1881-82; 86- 

88; 91-93; 98-1909. 
E. W. Wood, 1883-84. 
Ira Lawrence, 1883-84. 
John L. Allen, 1886-90. 
Sumner Small, 1889. 



Silas Bruce, 1834-35. 

Samuel Wood, 1835. 

Stephen Howe, 1836. 

Edward B. Bartlett, 1837-40; 42; 50. 

Horace S. Fiske, 1840. 

Anson Rice, 1842; 44; 47; 51; 57-59. 

Caleb Maynard, 1843; 52. 

Ashley Bartlett, 1842; 44-48; 50-52. 

George C. Davis, 1843-53. 

Franklin D. Bartlett, 1844. 

John B. Crawford, 1845-47; 82-85. 

Samuel Clark, 1848-50; 53-65; 69- 

71; 80. 
Samuel I. Rice, 1848; 66. 
William Seaver, 1849. 
George G. Valentine, 1851-56; 63- 

65; 68. 
George Barnes, 1854; 60-62; 66; 80. 
George A. Gale, 1855. 
George H. Williams, 1857. 
Warren T. Bush, 1856; 67. 
William A. Bartlett 2nd, 1858-59. 
Gilman B. Howe, 1889-92; 95-98; 

98-1901. 
Edwin S. Corey, 1890-91. 
Lorenzo Sanderson, 1891. 
Charles E. Johnson, 1892-95. 
Simon Goodell, 1894-96. 
Edgar S. S. Ashley, 1895-97, 
John A. Eames, 1896. 
George K. Adams, 1897-99. 
John D. Boyden, 1900-01. 
Josiah L. Moore, 1900-02; 03-05; 13. 
Hazon Leighton, 1901-04. 
Edward H. Smith, 1905-10. 
Walter O. Allen, 1906-14. 
Willis E. Wheeler, 1913-16. 
Hermon M. Peinze, 1914-15. 
Herbert L. Kimball, 1915-20. 
Allyn D. Phelps, 1917-20. 
Walter J. Bigelow, 1916-21. 
Elmer Valentine, 1920-21. 
William J. Potter, 1920-21. 



Collectors 



Simeon Hayward, 1744. 
William Holloway, 1745. 
Josiah Bowker, 1746. 
Jacob Rice, 1747, declined. 
James Eager, 1747. 
Peletiah Rice, 1748. 
Levi Brigham, 1749. 
Samuel Allen, 1750; resigned. 
Thomas Billings, 1750. 
John Carruth, 1751. 



Asa Parmenter, 1797; 1806. 
Jonas Bartlett, Jr., 1798-99. 
William Henderson, 1800. 
John Crawford, 1801-02. 
David Mahan, 1807-12. 
Henry Hastings, 1808-09; 16-17. 
Silas Bailey, 1810. 
Nathan Green, 1811. 
Abel Warren, 1813-14. 
Stephen Howe, 1815. 



518 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



Collectors {continued) 



Seth Hudson, 1752; resigned. 

Nathan Ball, 1752. 

Seth Hudson, 1753. 

Jesse Brigham, 1754. 

Samuel Gamwell, 1755. 

George Oak. 1756. 

Jonathan Green, 1765. 

Asa Goodenow, 1784; 86; 88-90. 

Nathan Rice, 1785. 

John Ball, 1787; 1803. 

Joseph Carruth, 1791-94; 1804-05. 

Silas Keyes, 1795-96. 



Samuel Seaver, 1818; 19-35. 
Prentice Keyes, 1836. 
Jonas Bartlett, 1837-38. 
Abraham W. Seaver, 1839-45. 
George Barnes, 1846-49. 
Cyrus Gale, Jr., 1850-56. 
Samuel Clark, 1857-86. 
Francis M. Harrington, 1887. 
Edward W. Wood, 1888-92. 
C. Henry Rice, 1893-1900. 
Frank Gates, 1901-05; 08-21. 
John W. Allen, 1906-07. 



Treasurers 



Bezaleel Eager, 1744-52; 60. 
Timothy Fay, 1753-55; 61-65. 
Jacob Rice, 1756-59; 66-68. 
Levi Brigham, 1769-70. 
Thaddeus Fay, 1771-89. 
Capt. Samuel Wood, 1790-94; 

1807. 
Cyrus Gale, Jr., 1850-56. 
Samuel Clark, 1857-87. 
William J. Potter 1888-95; 1905-10. 
C. Henry Rice, 1896-1900. 



Col. William Eager, 1808-09. 
Stephen Williams, 1810-17. 
Samuel Seaver, 1818-19; 35. 
Prentice Keyes, 1836. 
Jonas Bartlett, 1837-38. 
Abraham W. Seaver, 1839-45. 
George Barnes, 1846-49. 
Fred J. Proctor, 1901-04. 
Ezra H. Bigelow, 1911-15. 
Norman B. Potter, 1916-21. 



Committee of Correspondence 



Capt. Bezaleel Eager, 1773-74. 
Dr. Stephen Ball. 1773. 
Timothy Fay, 1773. 
Seth Rice, Jr., 1774. 
Levi Brigham, 1774. 
Gillam Bass, 1774; 78-80; 82. 
John Ball, 1774; 76. 
Thaddeus Fay, 1776-77. 
Joel Rice, 1776; 81. 
Amos Rice, 1776-77. 
Artemas Brigham, 1776-77. 
Jethro Peters, 1776-77. 
Nathan Green, 1776; 79-81. 
Abraham Wood, 1777. 



William Badcock, 1778. 
Solomon Goddard, 1778; 83. 
Eliphalet Warren, 1778-79; 83. 
John Carruth, 1778-79.^ 
Deacon Paul Newton, 1779. 
Abraham Wood, 1780. 
JohnWyman, 1780. 
Francis Eager, 1780. 
Lieut. Seth Rice, 1781. 
Henry Gaschet, 1781. 
Nahum Fay, 1781. 
HoUon Maynard, 1782. 
Lieut. David Monroe, 1782. 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



519 



HEADS OF FAMILIES 
United States Census — 1790 





Free White Males 




Free White 


All 




of 16 Years and 


Free White Males 


Females Including 


Other 




Upwards, Including 


Under 16 Years 


Heads of Families 


Free 




Heads of Families 






Persons 


Allen, Samuel 


1 


_ 


2 




Allen, Samuel, Jr. . 


2 


3 


4 




Babcock, William . 


1 


— 


1 




Badcock, Jonas . . . 


1 


1 


5 




Badcock, Reuben . 


1 


3 


4 




Bailey, Patience . . . 


- 


- 


4 




Ball, John 


4 


1 


6 




Ball, Stephen 


3 


3 


5 




Bartlett, Antipas . . 


2 


3 


7 




Bartlett, Mary 


3 


- 


4 




Billings, Thomas. . . 


1 


- 


1 




Billings, Silvanus . . 


2 


5 


5 




Bowker, Josiah . . . 


2 


- 


2 




Bowker, Solomon . 


1 


1 


5 




Brigham, Artemas . 


2 


2 


3 




Brigham, Daniel . . 


1 


2 


3 




Brigham, Gardner . 


1 


1 


2 




Brigham, Jesse .... 


1 


- 


1 




Brigham, Jesse, Jr. 


1 


3 


1 




Brigham, John .... 


1 


- 


1 




Brigham, Jonah . . . 


1 


1 


2 




Brigham, Winslow . 


2 


3 


6 




Brooks, Martha . . . 


- 


1 


4 




Bruce, Jonathan . . 


2 


- 


4 




Carruth, Jemima . . 


— 


— 


2 




Caruth, John .... 


3 


1 


1 




Chandler, Thomas . 


1 


5 


5 




Child, Phineas 


1 


- 


- 




Cobb, Jacob 


1 


_ 


2 




Cobb, Stephen 


2 


_ 


2 




Conn, Jonathan . . . 


1 


1 


1 




Cowden, Beaver . . 


— 


— 


— 


4 


Davis, Isaac . . . - 


5 
2 


3 
2 


5 
1 
6 




Davis, Ruth . . 






Eager, Francis. 






Eager Nathan 




1 


1 


2 




Eager, Oliver . 




2 


1 


4 




Fairbank, Josiah 




1 


1 


1 




Fay, Abraham. 




2 


2 


4 




Fay, Adam . . . 




2 


3 


1 




Fay, Asa 




1 




2 




Fay, Nahum . . 




1 


3 


1 




Fay, Thaddeus 




3 


2 


4 




Fay, Timothy . 




1 


3 


2 




Fuller, Lydia . 






1 


2 




Gamwell, Samuel . . 


2 


1 


3 1 


Gassett, Henry . . . 


3 


1 


3 




Gassett, Winslow . . 


2 


- 


1 




Gates, John 


1 


1 


2 




Gleason, Richard . . 


4 


1 


3 




Goddard, Solomon . 


1 


- 


2 





520 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 



HEADS OF FAMILIES (continued) 





Free White Males 




Free White 


All 




of 16 Years and 


Free White Males 


Females Including 


Other 




Upwards Including 


Under 16 Years 


Heads of Families 


Free 




Heads of Families 






Persons 


Goodenow, Asa . . . 


2 


_ 


2 




Gould, Joseph .... 


1 


2 


5 




Green, Nathan .... 


3 


6 


4 




Harrington, Caleb . 


1 


5 


4 




Henderson, Samuel 


1 


1 


1 




Henderson, Thomas 


2 


1 


1 




How, Isaac 


2 


3 


4 




Hudson, Elijah . . . 


1 


- 


2 




Hudson, Elisha . . . 


2 


4 


1 




Hunt, Jeremiah .... 


2 


3 


4 




Keyes, James 


2 


4 


2 




Keyes, Thomas . . . 


1 


1 


5 




Livermore, Jonathan 


1 


- 


1 




Mahan, Samuel .... 


1 


1 


3 




Martyn,John Monis 


2 


- 


4 




Maynard, Abner . . 


1 


3 


2 




Maynard, David. . . 


1 


- 


4 




Maynard, Hollon . . 


2 


3 


5 




Mixter, Joseph .... 


3 


- 


3 




Monroe, Abraham . 


3 


3 


5 




Monroe, David . . . 


2 


1 


3 




Moose, Samuel .... 


1 


1 


4 




Newton, Ezekiel . . 


2 


2 


4 




Newton, Moses . . . 


1 


2 


3 




Newton, Nathan. . . 


1 


3 


2 




Newton, Paul 


1 


1 


2 




Newton, Paul, Jr. . 


1 


3 


4 




Newton, Timothy. . 


1 


- 


2 




Parmenter, Joel . . . 


1 


- 


2 




Rice, Amos 


4 


3 


3 




Rice, Calvin 


1 


2 


4 




Rice, Eber 


1 


- 


2 




Rice, Ezra 


1 


1 


2 




Rice, Joel 


1 


1 


3 




Rice, Joseph 


2 


2 


2 




Rice, Josiah 


1 


- 


1 




Rice, Seth 


1 


— 


1 




Rice, Seth, Jr 


3 


1 


6 




Rice, Silas 


2 


1 


2 




Sartwell, Zachariah 


1 


6 


1 




Seaver, Joseph 


1 


- 


4 




Seaver, Richard . . . 


1 


— 


1 




Segar, Caleb 


1 


- 


4 




Smith, Daniel 


1 


- 


— 




Taylor, Holloway . 


4 


2 


5 




Warren, Eliphalet . 


3 


3 


6 




Warren, Lydia . . . . 


— 


— 


2 




Wheelock, Jesse . . . 


1 


3 


4 




Whitney, Peter,Rev. 


2 


4 


5 




Wood, Abraham . . 


1 


2 


5 




Wood, Samuel . . . . 


2 


- 


1 




Wyman, John . . . . 


2 


2 


6 



NORTHBOROUGH HISTORY 521 

The first United States Census, taken in 1790, discloses the 
following facts concerning Northborough : 

Number of houses, 88. 
Number of families, 101. 

Free white males of 16 years and upward, including heads of 
families, 161. 

Free white males under 16 years, 152. 

Free white females, including heads of families, 302. 

All other free persons, 4. 

Total population, 619. 



INDEX 

Page 

Acceptance, Mr. Allen's 48 

"Act of Incorporation" ° 

Action of the Town on Lincoln's Death ^^1 

Adams Brothers, The J*; 

Adams, Julius K 40* 

"Algonquin," Sinkmg of "^^^ 

Allen, Joseph /:' 

Allen Home School, The Ijo 

Allotment of Pews J ' 

Alterations, Unitarian Church 11^ 

American Fund for French Wounded, The 373 

Aqueduct Guarded, The 339 

Architect and Contractor 33 

Ashley, Samuel S. (Rev.) 149 

Assabet Park 4"^ 

Athletic Carnival, One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration 442 

Balcom, Irving S 40* 

Ball Hill 3^U 

Ball, Second Dr. Stephen, The 282 

Ball, Three Drs., The 281 

Bank Clerks from 1854 to 1921 270 

Bates, Joshua (Rev., D.D.) 145 

"Bell" Watering Trough, The 319 

Bemis, Elmer T 404 

Bertrand, Elmer 234 

Bigelow, Ezra H 269 

Birthplace of Freemasonry 127 

Blakely, Ernest C 404 

Bodreau, Francis P 405 

Book Binding and Newspapers • I'O 

Books Written by Northborough People 322-330 

Boucher, Arthur J 405 

Bouvier, Arthur H 406 

Bouvier, Frank A 234 

Boy Scouts, The 510 

Boys from "Overseas" Begin to Arrive, The 389 

Brick Making 170 

Brigham, Charles C 406 

Brigham, John 278 

Brigham, Harold M • 406 

Bristol, Carroll L 407 

Buchanan, James J 407 

Burbank, Harold R 407 

Burgoyne, George Herbert 408 

Busy Days 340 

Caldwell, Albert J 408 

Caldwell, Frederick W 408 

Carlson, Walter M 408 

Carney, John Vincent 408 



524 INDEX 

Page 

Catholic, Church Building, The 155 

Catholics, Early 153 

Catholic Priests 155 

Cemetery, The 239 

Center District, The 92 

Chabot, Walter F 409 

Children's Parade, The 436, 441 

Christening Font 120 

Church Covenant, The 27 

Churchyard, The 239 

Citizens' Patriotic Meeting 336 

Coffin, Holland 409 

Cold Harbor Meadow 320 

College Men 284 

Comb Making 167 

Communion Service 125 

Congregational Church Renovated 147 

Congregational Church Steps Removed 147 

Congregational Iron Fence Removed 147 

Congregational Ministers 152 

Congregational Ministers, More Recent 150 

Congregational, Miscellaneous Facts 150 

Council and Ordination 49 

Cost of the War from April, 1775, to June, 1778 74 

Crooker, Maurice N 409 

Cruel Report, A 350 

Danckert, John J 410 

Davis, George D 451 

Davis, "J. B." 109 

Davis, John (Governor) 295 

Day, Howard F 410 

DeArmond, Roy W 410 

Dedication of Tablet 435, 436 

Derosier, Philias Cecil 410 

Double Funerals 220, 319 

Draft, The 70 

Dutton, Horace (Rev.) 149 

Eager, Bezaleel (Captain) 280 

Edwards (General), Held up in Northborough 364 

Eldridge, Howard St. George 410 

Emerson, Daniel H. (Rev.) 144 

Estabrook, Fred W 234 

Exercises at Assabet Park 445 

Factory School, The 95 

Fay Family, The 446 

Fay's, Nahum, Retirement from the Office of Town Clerk . . . .314 

First Fire Engine, The 246 

Flag Day, Unitarian Church 341 

Flag Raisings 339 

Fontaine, Arthur 411 

Fourth Liberty Bond Loan 368 

Free-Soil Party, The 205 



INDEX 525 

Page 

Gales, The (Father and Son) 310 

Gassett Fund, The 241 

Gauvin, George F 411 

Genealogy, Joseph Allen's 55 

Genealogy, John Martyn's 37 

Ghost Hill 320 

Gilbert, Amory T 411 

Gilbert, Francis P 411 

Grange Hall 92 

Great Crisis, A 331 

Great Fire, The 321 

Grand Historical and Civic Parade, The 464-487 

Guertin, Louis H 412 

Halifax Fund 346 

Harrington, Clarence W 412 

Haskell, Frank E. 412 

Heads of Families in 1744 6 

Heads of Families, U. S. Census— 1790 519-521 

"Healdton," Sinking of ^^^ 

High School Association, Reunion of 510 

Historic Places, Events and People of Northborough 431-434 

"Honor" Flag, Raising of 367 

Honor Roll, The 359 

How the People were Fed 508 

Howe, Gilman B 460 

Hudson Street School, The 97 

Hughes, Emile J 413 

Hunt, Chester W 235 

Hurley, James A. (Rev.) 450 

Hymn to Northborough 506 

Influence of Parson Whitney, The 65 

Interesting Items from the Town Records 314 

Irvine, Arthur E 413 

Johannes, Count 318 

Jones, Lindsey L 413 

Junior Red Cross, The 386 

Kaiser, Burial of 355 

Kellette, John W 235 

Kellette, Joseph J 235 

Kelly, Walter F 413 

Kimball, Harlan W 414 

Kimball, Hosmer R 414 

"Laconia," Sinking of 333 

Langtry, Albert P. (Hon.), Speech of 492 

Lanios, Esdras J 414 

Leary, Francis 414 

Leary, Frederick 414 

Leather and Shoes 168 

Letters from France 353 

Liberty Bonds 366, 372 

Lilley, Frank S 415 



526 INDEX 

Page 

Lincoln's, Jairus, Report to the Town Concerning Street Lamps 316 

List of Students 104 

Little Chauncy 320 

Livermore, Jonathan (Deacon) 278 

Loyalists, The 80 

Lucius, Dewey R 415 

Lucius, Edward A 415 

Mackey, Timothy J 415 

Martyn, John 35 

Martyn's, John, Acceptance 24 

"Martyn, John (Rev.), to Ye Second Precinct" 314 

Martyn's, John (Rev.), Just Complaint 37 

Mass Meetings 336, 350 

Maynard, Edward B 415 

Maynard, Samuel T. (Professor) 306 

Memorial Day, 1917 343 

Memorial Service 348 

Mentzer, Albert W 415 

Metal Working 161 

Metcalf's (Mr.), Journal, From 101 

Mexican War, The 204 

Miller, Elliot J 416 

Miller, Frank W 416 

Ministers, Baptist Church 139 

Ministers, Congregational 152 

Ministers, Unitarian Church 128 

Ministers, More Recent 150 

Ministerial Courtesy and Propriety 272 

Minute Men of Northborough, The 62 

Monis, Judah 286 

Mount Assabet 180 

Murphy, Joseph 416 

Murray, Flora B. (Miss) 416 

National Guard Called Out by President Wilson 333 

Nelson, Adolph C 417 

Nelson, Clarence N 417 

Nelson, George W 418 

New Congress Convenes, The 335 

New Meeting House, The 28 

Northborough Bank Changed to a National Bank 259 

Northborough National Bank, The 256 

Northborough Brass Band, The 507 

Northborough Free Library 251 

Northborough High School, The 98 

Northborough in the Civil War 209 

Northborough in the Spanish American War 234 

Northborough in the World War 331 

Northborough Losses in Civil War 232 

Northborough Men in the American Revolution 82 

Northborough Men in the World War 404-426 

Northborough National Bank Becomes a Member of Federal Reserve 

Bank 268 

Northborough National Bank Organization Certificate, The .... 261 



INDEX 527 

Page 

Northborough National Bank, Present Condition 271 

Northborough Prepares 334 

Northborough Seminary, The 114 

Northborough Soldiers in Civil War 225 

Northborough Soldiers in Spanish American War 234 

Northborough 's Attitude Toward Slavery 197 

Northborough's Celebration in Honor of Her Returning Soldiers and 

Sailors 392-403 

Northborough's First Sacrifice, Civil War 215 

Northborough's First Sacrifice, Great War 364 

Northborough's Petition for a New Party 206 

Novel Sight, A . 369 

Novins, Hyman 418 

Officers, War of 1812 84 

Old Burial Ground, The 236 

Old Town Hall, The 187 

One Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary, Committees of . . . 428-430 

Ordination, Program of 41 

O'Reilly, Mary Boyle 380 

Organ and the Choir, The 121 

Organization, Evangelical Congregational Church 140 

Organization, First Baptist Church 130 

Organization of the Church and the Ordination of John Martyn 26 

Our Ambassador 332 

Overt Act? The 333 



Pageant, The 505 

Parade, Route of 463 

Parkman (Mr.) Declines 21 

Parsonage Burns Down, The 43 

Patriotic Citizens Pay Town Bills 315 

Patriot's Day, April 19, 1917 340 

Patriotic Meeting . 343 

Paul, Eben W 418 

Peace 351 

Penize, Carl E 419 

Penize, Herman L. 419 

Penize, Walter A 419 

Picard, James Leo 420 

Picard, Vincent F 362, 420 

Police Department, The 507 

Pop Concert 374 

Potter, William J 267 

Present Congregational Church Building 146 

Present High School, The 106 

Presentation of Flags 345 

Privates, War of 1812 84 

Profiteering and Price Fixing 76 

Public Safety Committee, Dissolved 359 

Public Safety Committee, Final Meeting 357 

Published Writings, Mr. Whitney's 45 

Pulpit Bible, The 127 

Pupils in Northborough High School (1866-1870) Ill 



528 INDEX 

Page 

Railroad, The 249 

Raising, The 30 

Reception at Public Library for Elderly People 508 

Reception to the Returning Boys 387 

Red Cross, The 375, 379, 381, 383, 385 

Red Cross Week 344 

Registration Day 344 

Remonstrance Against the Annexation of Texas 198 

Resolutions 211,349 

Rice, John 502 

Rice, John Minot (Professor) 301 

Rice, Luther (Rev.) 288 

Richards, William A 420 

Rogers, John Jacob (Hon.), Speech of 497 

Ryan, Martin M 420 

Sad Conclusion, A 360 

Sawmills and Corn-mills 158 

Schofield, Bertrand L 420 

School Districts, Four 88 

School Districts, Two New 90 

Seaver, Abraham W 264 

Seaver, Edwin P 304 

Smith, A. D. (Rev.) 449 

Smith, Leslie H 421 

Soldiers' Monument, Cost of 224 

Soldiers' Monument, Dedication of 224 

Soldiers' Monument, The 222 

Solomon's Pond 320 

Sparrow, Mr 446 

Spinning Bee, Parson Whitney's 42 

Sports, August 17, 1916 488 

St. Rose of Luna Church 153 

Stanley, Dr 457 

Stone, Herbert A 421 

Stone, Howard D 421 

Stone, Winfred H 421 

Sunday School, The 124 

Table Stolen 126 

Tea Party, Northborough's 80 

Temperance Question One Hundred Years Ago 172 

Temptation Removed 316 

Thrift Stamps 387 

Tomblin Hill 320 

"Town" Clock, The 120 

Town Officers, 1774 to 1921 514-518 

Town Officers, 1916 511 

Town Hall, The 193 

Tradition, A 45 

Train of War Relics, A 370 

Trenches, From the 374 

Trudeau, Esdras J 422 

United War Work Campaign 350 



INDEX 529 

Page 

Valentine School, The 117 

Valentine, Thomas W 298 

Van Ornum, Frederick B 422 

Victory Day 355 

"Victory" Loan 370 

Walker, M. H 504 

Walker, William B 422 

Walls, Francis Sidney 423 

Walsh, Matthew J 423 

War Declared 336 

War Library Fund 345 

Weagle, Dennis W. S 424 

Welcome Home — Supplementary 403 

Wheeler, Milton S 425 

Whitney, (Mr.), the Man and the Minister 46 

Whitney, Peter 41 

Who Shall be the Minister 20 

Williams, Ellen (Miss) 254 

Williams, Ernest A 424 

Wilson Breaks with Germany 332 

Wood Mill, David F., The 166 

Woolen-mills and Cotton-mills 163 

Woodward, Henry P 425 

Wood-working Industries 160 

Y. M. C. A. Fund 345 



